Paul Odell Asmus

Published 9:35 am Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Paul Odell Asmus, 90, passed away peacefully at home on Monday following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife, and children. His new journey takes him to a wonderful place where he will be laughing, socializing, singing and watching sports events to his heart’s content. He has been notified that he has successfully completed his mission here; climbed every mountain, fearlessly faced and conquered every battle, and created a legacy in 90 years that most still strive to accomplish. Paul is now promoted into a new, highly honored position of which he will not return. In the meantime, he prepares a place for us to reunite one day.

Paul Odell Asmus

Paul was born on Jan. 16, 1925, in Niles, Michigan to Alfred and Frieda (Exner) Asmus. He graduated from Niles High School. After graduating, Paul went to work at Simplicity Pattern Company. He then went to work at Electro-Voice in Buchanan, Michigan and retired from there after 35 years of employment.

Paul served his community on the Niles City Council for 12 years a first ward Alderman, and six years as third ward Alderman. He was a veteran of World War II having flown forty-two Combat Missions in the 13th Air Force; missions flown in the Southwest Pacific and Philippines. He flew as an aerial engineer gunner aboard a B-24 liberator. He left the Air Force with Military Honors.

On Aug. 21, 1948, Paul married his loving wife of 67 years, Virginia R. Kline, who survives. He and Virginia had three children; Paul W. (Tina) Asmus of Niles, Michigan; Karen S. (Roger) Lovitt of Granger, Indiana; Kevin O. (Debbie) Asmus of Niles. He celebrated his life, and always had smiles and hugs for his 14 grandchildren; Jason (Michelle) Asmus, Joshua (Becky) Asmus, Neil (Heidi) Huff, Ashley (David) Lindley, Andrew (Heather) Osos, D’acia (Brett Parks) Asmus, and Kayla (Dan Lawecki) Asmus; and more hugs for his 17 great-grandchildren Dane, Vaughn, Chloe, Ella, Lily, Emmalee, Lydia, Caden, Adalyn, Owen, Dylan, Clay, Connor, Carter, Arleigh, and Emmitt. Paul is survived by his sisters Charlene Fein and Patricia Cloutier, both of Niles.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Frieda Asmus, a sister Edith Frucci, and a brother Richard Asmus.

He was a 75-year member of Saint John’s United Church of Christ, where he served his church in many capacities.

Paul was a devoted husband and father who would (and did) everything for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His face always came alive with smiles when his family was present. He spent his time enjoying air shows. There was not a sports event in Niles or out of town that Paul wasn’t sitting in the bleachers rooting his favorite team or family member. He was a true, blue and gold Viking fan.

Funeral Services for Paul Asmus will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2015, at Saint John’s United Church of Christ in Niles with the Rev. Raymond Fulbright of the church, officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Paul may be made to Saint John’s United Church of Christ, the Niles High School Athletic Department, or to the donor’s choice.

www.halbritterfunerals.com