H. Paul Semer

H. Paul Semer, of Van Wert, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 13, 2019, from the Sarah Jane Living Center, Delphos, Ohio.  He was born on July 18, 1933, in Van Wert, the son of Harry and Charlotte (Thatcher) Semer. 

Paul was a 1951 graduate of Van Wert High School and joined the United States Air Force in 1953, stationed in Labrador. He wrote daily to his high school sweetheart, Peggy Jo Agler, always referring to her as “Dimples” or “Darling”.  The two were married on May 22, 1954 and Paul continued in the service, based in Texas, Mississippi and South Carolina.  After leaving the service, they returned to Ohio where he worked for the Ohio Northern Railroad in Norwalk, Ohio.  Paul retired from Chrysler in Van Wert.

The proud father of four sons, Paul taught and passed on to them his passion for motorcycles, the outdoors, camping and fishing.  Paul had a special zeal for flying, buying his own Aeronca Champion plane and piloting it for many years.   Paul was a hard-working man, talented with his hands and tools.  “Papa” as he was known to his grandchildren, could build, tear apart and fix just about anything from motors to model planes.  He generously gave of his time and talents to everyone, especially his children and grandchildren.

Later in life he enjoyed reading, history, movies and traveling. Peg, the love of his life, remained by his side until her death on Feb. 13, 2018.   His easy-going, calm attitude and quiet strength during his lengthy battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s disease was an inspiration to his family and friends.

Paul is survived by his four sons: Greg Semer of Van Wert, Kirk (Kim) Semer of Van Wert, Todd (Susie) of Ohio City, and Kevin (Julie) of Van Wert;  ten grandchildren: Serenity, Colt and Shane Semer, Stephanie Semer, Shawna (Shaun) Putman, Stacia (Brad) Grose, Trista (Kody) Kill, Austin Semer, Eric (Claire) Semer, and Arielle Semer; 15 great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Cheryl Bidlack  and Nancy Agler, both of Van Wert; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Peg, two brothers, John  and Jim Semer, and a sister, Patricia Baldauf.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2019, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Lance Hostetler officiating. Interment will follow at Van Wert Woodland Cemetery where military rites will be presented by the combined honor guard of the American Legion and V.F.W. Posts of Van Wert. Calling hours are 9 - 11 a.m., Saturday.

Preferred memorials are to the Sarah Jane Nursing Center.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of H. Paul Semer, please visit our floral store.