Paul Allen Beisner

NEW PARIS, Ohio - Paul Allen Beisner died at the age of 92 on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Kindred Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, surrounded by his family. He was born in Ansonia, Ohio, on April 28, 1922, to John and Katherine (Hollar) Beisner, the fifth of nine children: Robert, Lowell, Pauline, Chester, Phyllis, Max, Billy, and James. Paul was a gentleman farmer and also spent 42 years in education, including 32 years in school administration, 10 years teaching science at Talawanda, West Elkton, and Jefferson, with a start in student teaching science classes at Richmond High School. He was superintendent in Ohio at C.R. Coblentz and Fort Recovery. Paul coached the West Elkton basketball team, which won the 1955 Preble County League Championship. Additionally, he was a board member of Richmond Art Museum, Wayne County Historical Museum, Wayne County Resource Inventory, and Whitewater Valley Archaeological Society. After enrolling at Earlham College in 1940, Paul was drafted into service for World War II. The pacifist nature of his Quaker religion compelled him to be of positive service as a C.O. Surgical Technician, in the 620th Medical Company. During his time as a soldier in the Rhineland and Europe, he was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal World War II. He earned a B.S. in Geology from Earlham and as a National Science Foundation Fellow, earned an M.S. from Miami University. On September 6, 1946, he married Lucille Robinson and they spent many years on their farms in Ohio. Throughout their 68-year marriage, Paul and Lucille established an authentic family and many friends, of whom he was extraordinarily proud. Mr. Beisner promoted culture, holding in highest esteem art, music, and science. A man of solid integrity, he always said, 'It takes more than an idea, it takes vision, standing for something, constantly counting blessings. You need to associate with the giants. Vision needs to be cumulative and lasting.' In his boundless appreciation of nature, Mr. Beisner planted multiple sanctuaries of trees to create a federally certified national forest. He was also recognized for his extensive collection and preservation of Native American artifacts, among other cultural items. Mr. Beisner is survived by his wife, Dr. Lucille Beisner; his children, Kent (Kendra) Beisner, Craig (Carolyn) Beisner, and Dr. Karen Beisner (and her late husband, Robert) Kimball; his brothers, Max, Billy, and James; his grandchildren, Kurt Beisner, Kara Beisner, Jared Beisner, Kathryn Kimball, Kristyn Kimball, Carlin Beisner, and Clayton Beisner; eight great-grandchildren; nieces, including a special niece, Nora Kay (Beisner) Francis; and nephews. Visitation for Paul Allen Beisner will be from 5'8:00 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2015, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service for Paul Allen Beisner will be held on Monday, January 26, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at the church in which Paul and Lucille were married, Reid Presbyterian Church, located at 1004 North A Street in Richmond. Mr. Beisner will be interred in Earlham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Earlham College Science Department or the Earlham College Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 801 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374 or to the National Museum of Wildlife Art by mail at P.O. Box 6825, Jackson, WY 83002 (phone 307-732-5444) or online at https://www.wildlifeart.org/support/give/. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Paul Allen Beisner

April 28, 1922 - January 20, 2015