Paul Beezley

Paul Beezley, 84, Syracuse, died Oct. 21, 2022, in his residence in Syracuse.

Born Feb. 9, 1938, in North Webster, Paul was the son of Eugene and Esther Henwood. He spent his formative years in the Syracuse area and was a 1957 graduate of Syracuse High School. On Aug. 31, 1958, he was united in marriage to M. Jill Largen; she preceded him in death in September 2004. Paul was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army, having earned the rank of corporal. While in the Army, Paul worked in artillery maintenance; this was a natural fit for him as he was very handy and could fix almost anything.

Paul was a hard worker. He farmed, drove truck and worked in a trailer factory. He owned and operated a ULock storage facility. He is best remembered for his roles as bus driver and as a handyman. Paul drove school bus for more than 30 years years for Wawasee School Corporation and loved to drive for sporting events, especially for the basketball team. He was also self-employed as a handyman; many knew him as “Paul the Builder.”

Paul was a straightforward person with a good sense of humor. He was ornery and fun-loving and rarely knew a stranger. In his younger years, he raced boats and was very active in North Webster American Legion where he was past commander. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Cromwell, and was a shriner. He enjoyed golf, playing cards and games and rooting for IU Men’s Basketball. He wintered in Florida for many years. Paul dedicated himself to the care of McClintic Cemetery and spent many hours caring for the grounds over the years.

In addition to his wife of more then 46 years, Jill Beezley, Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Esther Henwood; by his birth parents, Leroy and Evelyn Knafel Beezley; by two sons, Jeff and Chris Beezley; and by sister, Devonna. He is survived by daughter, Kim (Dave) Buhrt-Van Lue, Syracuse; two granddaughters, Beth (Matt) Klaassen, Warsaw and Jodi (Rob) Groover; grandson, Christopher Beezley, Syracuse; and Paul’s loving companion of more than 18 years, Beth Skaggs. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Quinn, Kaden, Colton and Caitlin; three sisters, Ginger, Cheryl and Betty and by brother, Bobby.

Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with care of Paul. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington Street, Syracuse. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Wawasee Lakeside Chapel Church, 10419 N. Turkey Creek Rd, Syracuse, with Pastor Brad Cox officiating. Burial will follow at McClintic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has strongly encouraged memorial gifts be given to a food pantry of the donor’s choosing or to Turkey Creek Fire Territory with envelopes available at the funeral home and church. Written condolences may be left for the family at www.TitusFuneralHome.com