Paul F. Erhard

Paul F. Erhard, Age 93. Paul was born in Dayton to Frank and Clara (Zuhl) Erhard on August 3, 1922. Surrounded by family members and loved ones, he passed away at Kettering Hospital on Wednesday, January 20th, succumbing to injuries sustained in a bad fall.

In 1942, Paul enlisted in the Army Air Corp; and in 1944 he was called up to the 87th Infantry Division, Golden Acorn, Third Army, 446th Regiment, Company I. Awarded the Bronze Star for valor, Paul served as an infantry sergeant.

Following the war, Paul worked as an Air Force purchasing agent at Wright Patterson Air Force base until he retired in 1977. A kind and gentle man, Paul loved to dance and was always full of life and love. He lived independently, driving and taking great pride in maintaining his home and lawn. Paul was devoted to his family and to his faith. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Dubin and her husband, Raymond Terrill, who provided great support and care for him; by his son, Michael and his wife, Christine; five grandchildren, Bob (Wavelene), Marcia, Jennifer (Mathew Rice), Catherine (Patrick Olson) and Kristin; four great grandchildren, Bobby, Brittany, Michael (Rice) and Olivia (Rice); one great-great granddaughter, Aamiyah; and by his sister-in-law, Barbara Erhard. He adored his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and his great-great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by Dolores (Wilhelms), his wife of 50 years, who was the love of his life; by his son, Robert, and by his brothers, Charles and Wilbur, his sisters, Charlotte and Alvina. Paul is also survived by his best friend, Jerry Hawkins who was always there for him. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2800 and the American Legion Post 0598.

His faith and love for life and for those in his life was unending. He never gave up, until he had to let go. His family wishes to give special thanks to the many kind, knowledgeable and compassionate health care professionals (you know who you are) who became like family while providing his care.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home, South Chapel, 3940 Kettering Boulevard. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 272 Bainbridge St, Dayton, OH 45402. He will be buried beside his late wife, Dolores, with full military honors in Calvary Cemetery.