Paul Richard Flounders

Paul Richard Flounders, age 76, of Dover, passed away suddenly in his sleep Tuesday morning, January 19, 2010. Born at Massillon, August 26, 1933, he was a son of the late Ralph and Frances Snyder Flounders. Paul attended Massillon schools before enlisting in the United States Army. During his service, he was honored to have been selected to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. A man of dedication, Paul retired in 1998 from a career as an inspector that spanned forty-six and a half years for Eaton Corporation at Massillon. At the time of his retirement, his tenure of service was unparalleled in the company’s history. A talented vocalist, Paul was a member of the Schoenbrunn Valley Barbershop Chorus, and was known to accompany his wife in singing for local churches. Paul loved to read his Bible, and was a member of the Jerusalem Church, as well as the Tuscarawas County Senior Citizens and AARP. An avid outdoorsman, Paul was well-read in the beneficial effects of herbs. Dubbed a “weedologist” by his family, Paul dried many common plants to make home-made tea bags for his family and friends. Paul also loved to fish and take long walks admiring nature. Paul lead an active life with his wife, the former Hazel Williams, who survives and resides at Dover. The couple wed November 28, 1998. Together they spent seven years leading area seniors on tours that ranged from local attractions to California and even Europe. He enjoyed bowling, and this past Christmas was given a Wii upon which he and Hazel enjoyed evenings “bowling at home”. In addition to his wife of eleven years, Paul’s family includes a step-daughter, Rhonda Kelley of New Philadelphia, and step-son, Robert “Bob” (wife, Ortha) Goudy of Alexandria, Alabama. Six step-grandchilren; Jackie (husband, Bill) Heidy of New Philadelphia, Jeff (wife, Chris) Snyder of Scio, O., Brandon Kelley of New Philadelphia, Angela (husband, Koy) Brooks of Weaver, Alabama, Ben (wife, Katie) Goudy of Douglasville, GA, and Nic (wife, Debbie) Goudy of Alexandria, Alabama. Twelve step-great-grandchildren and one step great-great-granddaughter also survive. Three sisters; Marilyn Reis of Massillon, Gloria (husband, Roger) Mahaffey of North Canton, Donna Baughman of Massillon, four brothers; James Flounders of Massillon, Robert (wife, Gloria) Flounders of North Canton, Charles (wife, Evelyn) Flounders of Massillon, and Jerry Flounders of Bandera, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who complete the family. In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Simpson Flounders and a sister, Doris Blackburn. Friends are invited to call Thursday from 4PM – 7PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where the Rev. Dr. Terry Downin will lead a funeral celebrating Paul’s life Friday morning, at 10:30.A reception will follow the service in the dining room at the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Interment with military honors in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens at Massillon is planned for Friday afternoon at 1:30. The Flounders family request that memorial contributions be made to the building fund at Jerusalem Church 1417 Stonecreek Road SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to the building fund at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center, 425 Prospect Street, Dover, OH 44622. Geib Funeral Center at Dover(330) 343-5506