Paul D. Weiss

Paul D. Weiss, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 10, 2024, while in the loving care of his family.

He was born the oldest of three on April 1, 1943, in Niles, Michigan. Paul grew up in Battle Creek and graduated from Battle Creek Central High in 1961.

It has been said that there can be no greater service than that of serving your fellow man, his career in public service started in the Navy from 1961 until 1965, during which time he was on the U.S.S. Hammerberg. After the Navy, he became a firefighter with the Battle Creek Fire Department on October 19, 1969, and was promoted to Lieutenant in December 1987. Following his retirement from the Fire Department in 1995, Paul continued to serve as a Public Safety Officer with Emmett Charter Township and then Police Chief for Olivet Police Department, retiring in 2014.He enjoyed the camaraderie and cherished the life-long friendships that developed during his times of service.

Paul was an avid reader with an inquisitive nature. With a quest for knowledge and a deep patriotic love for his country, Paul enjoyed learning about history and his bookshelves were full of his beloved books. He enjoyed playing ice hockey, which he eventually traded for golf. He loved being by the water, photography, music, playing cards and spending time with family, neighbors, and friends.

He married Sonya (Burns) Padelt in 1969 and both went on to remarry and remained in touch throughout their lives. On December 1st, 1994, Paul married Linda (Thompson) Hunt who survives him, together they enjoyed traveling, boating, and spending time with children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his children Jaime (Tad) Kiessling, Brett (Mandi) Weiss, Michelle (John Byle), Wendi (Tony) Mitchell. Stepchildren David (Erica) Hunt and Kimberly Adams, grandchildren Kodie (TJ), Krista (Brad), Nicholas, AJ, Cole, Drew, Brendan, Quinn, Kelcey, Lauren, Sawyer, Addie, Rehna, Ryder, Emery, great-grandchildren Graham, Wells, and Callahan, and a brother Robert (Marcia) Weiss. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver “Bill” and Jeanette (Cummins) Barney, and a sister Kathleen Glen. His kindness, selflessness and concern for others was evident as he received “Father of the Year” by the Enquirer in 1976 when asked about this honor he stated, “the children make the Father look good”.

Family will receive friends Sunday, August 18th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 12:00 p.m. Monday, August 19th at the funeral home with interment to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations are made to St. Jude’s, Make a Wish Foundation or Tunnel to Towers.