Paul R Bouman

Paul Raymond Bouman (July 30, 1939-July 31, 2022)

Paul R. Bouman of Celeryville, Ohio went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 31st after a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family in his home.

In 1952, Paul with his parents and brother, immigrated from the Netherlands following WWII. They eventually settled in the Dutch Christian Reformed community of Celeryville, Ohio.

He graduated from Willard High School where he met the love of his life, wife and best friend of 60 years, Beverly (Bailey) Bouman. He attended Calvin College for a year and then graduated from Ashland University. He worked at RR Donnelley & Sons for 24 years in various managerial positions and with his brother Ray, owned the Chevrolet GM dealership. In the late 1980’s Paul moved on to pursue a career in real estate development as he had a passion for architecture and building.

Paul was a faithful man who loved the Lord and served his people. He set a beautiful example of what fellowship in Christ looks like and made it his mission to welcome and encourage newcomers to the church. He served on church council for decades and because of his gifts and talents surrounding construction and design, he volunteered many hours in the maintenance and expansion of the facilities. Paul also felt that christian education was a vital part of the church’s ministry. Throughout the years he was instrumental in facilitating the growth of Celeryville Christian School.

Many considered Paul to be a mentor in various aspects of life. He loved to talk with people and was genuinely interested in getting to know them. You could often find him in deep conversation with a cup of coffee in hand. If not in person, he kept in touch with family and friends via text and shared locations.

Paul enjoyed traveling with his wife and made many trips back to the Netherlands to visit with relatives. He especially enjoyed treating his entire family to an annual trip to the Outer Banks where he cherished spending time with each member. He enjoyed boating on Lake Erie, reading, and spending time in his home designing and imagining the next addition.

He is survived by his wife Beverly, and four daughters, Julia (John Smilde) of Vienna VA, Marianna (William Hines) of Lorain, Andrea (Peter Deak) of Rocky River and Paula (Thomas Wiers) of Willard. He actively enjoyed following the careers and adventures of his nine grandchildren- Edward (Lauren Smilde) of Seattle WA, Maria Smilde of Anchorage AK, Bridget (Matt Buesing) of Chicago, Trey (Ana Hines) of Lorain, Tiffany (David Purdie) of Celebration FL, Sam (Sierra Worcester) of Willard, Alexandrea Worcester of Lorain, Hunter (Deneen Wiers) of Willard and Paige (fiance-Gavin Skelly) of Chicago IL. He had nine great grandchildren- Adelina, Pippa, Lola and Luna Hines, Duke and Cooper Purdie, Scarlett, Scotlynn and Soren Worcester. He is also survived by his brother Raymond (Micheala Bouman) of Huron. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Marian Bouman.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 4th from 5-8pm at the Willard Christian Reformed Church, 4180 St Rt 103 South, Willard, OH 44890. Graveside ceremony will be on Friday, August 5th at 10am at the Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11am at the Willard Christian Reformed Church. Any memorial contributions can be made to Celeryville Christian School.

The staff at Eastman Funeral Home, 49 West Main Street, Greenwich, OH, is honored to assist the Bouman family with arrangements.  Fond memories and online condolences may be shared at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.    

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