Louis Lavern Paulsen

Louis Lavern Paulsen, age 91, of Columbus, left his earthly home on Friday, October 16, 2015. He was born to Louis J. and Clara (Dillon) Paulsen in Columbus, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 55 years, Margaret "Marg" (Hawkins) Paulsen, and his brother, Lt. Harold L. Paulsen. He is survived by wife, Gwen (Jollief) Paulsen; and stepdaughter, Lorie (Michael) Pierce, as well as a wonderful family of nieces and nephews, including Cheryl Adams, Pamela Hockenbery and Gary McCoskey, (in-laws from Gwen's first marriage). He had a father/son relationship with Butler "Chris" Adams. He graduated from South High School and The Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Navy, WWII aboard destroyer escort USS Donaldson in the South Pacific, going through 3 island invasions (Marshalls, Guam and Palau) and Typhoon Cobra (also known as Halsey's Typhoon during which his fleet lost 790 men, 3 ships and over 100 aircraft). After college, he was employed by Page Milk Company, Coffeyville, KS for 27 years, last position General Plant Manager. He was a founder, Board Chairman and Executive VP of Coffeyville State Bank. He was a Director and Treasurer of Tool Supply, Inc. Later, he was Vice President of First Federal Savings Bank, Lubbock, TX. Always active in church and community, his motto was "to try to leave things better than I found them." Served as Mayor and City Commissioner of Coffeyville, as President of Coffeyville Rotary Club, Coffeyville Jaycees and Coffeyville United Fund, and was Vice President of Kansas Jaycees and numerous other associations. He served as Chairman of Pioneer Chapter of American Red Cross and was a Director on the Montgomery County Fair Board. He helped found Hi-Lo Investors and the Coffeyville Toastmaster's Club. He served on the board of the Mid-America Industrial Development Commission. He was currently an active member of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church and Columbus Cum Christo (Men's 143rd). Member American Legion, VFW, 40&8, Destroyer Escort Sailors, and OSU Alumni Assn. He loved playing golf and was a true Buckeye fan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Upper Arlington Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 2300 Lytham Rd. Upper Arlington, OH 43220, or to Columbus Cum Christo, P.O. Box 163712, Columbus, OH 43216. Celebration of Life service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, October 19, 2015 at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43220 where the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pastor Paul Ulring, officiant. Interment, Sunset Cemetery. Arrangements by SOUTHWICK-GOOD & FORTKAMP FUNERAL CHAPEL. www.southwickfuneral.com

Louis Lavern Paulsen

August 7, 1924 - October 16, 2015