Paul L. Chorpening, 97, of Ashland, passed away Friday, Jan. 12, 2018 at his residence.

Born Nov. 28, 1920 in Akron, Ohio, he was one of five children born to Clifford W. and Mildred E. (Akers) Chorpening.

His early childhood years were spent in Akron moving to Ashland in 1933 with his family. He attended Ashland Junior High School and graduated from Ashland High School in 1939. He made Ashland his home and remained there his entire adult life with the exception of his time in college and the United States Army.

He proudly served as a Radar Repairman in the United States Army Signal Corps, stationed throughout the Aleutian Islands during World War II. He then attended Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; Miami University, Oxford, Ohio; Ashland College; and received his Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern College of Law, Ada, Ohio. 

Paul commenced practicing Law with his father until 1949 and served the Ashland community until 1995. He found himself serving in many roles over the years, most notably as Law Director and Mayor of the city of Ashland. He also served as an Ashland County Commissioner, was a member of the Ashland County School Board and served as an Ashland County Common Pleas Judge for 12 years.

His legal expertise brought with it travel to many major cities in the United States including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Detroit, Salt Lake City and Cleveland. It also took him to London, England and Vancouver, British Columbia. 

In his spare time and in retirement, Paul found joy in fishing and hunting. He was a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Cavaliers. He also was an avid baseball fan, even from a young age, recalling when the games were called on the radio in the 1920’s.

He enjoyed golf, but mostly for the comraderie, not the score. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church and his strong faith in God led him to advocate for the needy, the unfortunate and those who needed a guiding hand. 

He is survived by a daughter, Kathy Ann Chorpening, of Ashland, whom he was very close to; a son, Stephen (Rosemary) Chorpening, of Ashland; grandchildren, Stephen (Sylvia) Chorpening, of Fairlawn, Tina (Robert) Dinga, of Indian Hill, Ohio, Vincent (Jennifer) Bugara, of Ashland, Josh Chorpening, of Ashland, and Blake (Chrystal) Chorpening, of Ashland; great grandchildren, Landon, Lydia and Vivian Bugara, Devon, Isabella and Griffin Dinga and Jericho, Gabriel and McKenzie Chorpening;

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Betty Ann (Baki) Chorpening in 1999; and his siblings, Robert, Oliver, Phyllis and Joanne.

There will be no calling hours or services at this time. Memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to First United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

The Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of Paul Chorpening.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com.