Paul Kunkel

Paul Andrew Kunkel, 89, a long-time resident of Union County, died Wednesday, March 4th in the afternoon. Paul was a native of Franklin County and born in Bath, IN on Sept. 4, 1925 to William J and Rosa Meyer Kunkel. He attended Bath School and was a US Military Veteran serving in the Air Force during WWII. While in India, Paul, who was a radio operator, was one of the first to learn that the war had ended. Upon Paul’s return home from military service, he married and settled in Brownsville, IN. He was employed by local factories, did tree work and worked for Union County REMC before starting Kunkel Electric Company. He built his own home where he spent the remainder of his life. Paul very much enjoyed family vacations, particularly in Michigan and loved visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a life-long member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church and later enjoyed attending Saturday evening Mass. Paul was a member of the American Legion and the VFW and was a member of various card clubs over the years and later, played Euchre on Monday nights at South View Courts in Liberty. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Margaret Kunkel, daughters Nancy Jackson of Brownsville, Karen and Gregg Kuhn of Shelbyville, Christyna Barker of Liberty and LeeAnn & Greg Newton of Murfreesboro, TN. Paul also leaves behind 12 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren: Chad & Krissy Kuhn (children Jacob & Nicolas), Jennifer & Ben Oglesby (children Austin & Michael), Jerrod Kuhn, Mark & Ashley Jackson (children Chase & Clara), Matt Jackson, Corey Newton, Christopher & Amy Kuhn (son Colin), Chelsea Bright (children Brody & Bree), Sarah & Will Lange (son William), Carrie Jackson, Emily & David Green (son Jaxson) and Michael Newton. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill and Herbert and sisters Agnes Race, Marcella Sokola and Rita Deutsch. Surviving siblings are brother Charles Kunkel, sisters Viola Stenger, Georgia Cobb and Marilyn Ziegler. Father John Luerman will conduct a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bridget Catholic Church on Saturday, March 7th at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery with Military Graveside Services conducted by American Legion Post #122 and VFW Post #1472. Friends may visit at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Fosdick Chapel, in Liberty, on Saturday, March 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. concluding with a Rosary Service at noon. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bridget Catholic Church. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.