Paul Raymond Brigner

Paul Raymond Brigner, Sr., 92, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024. He was born July 10, 1932, to Walter and Trilby Brigner. At the time of his passing, Paul resided in Mansfield, Ohio, surrounded by his family.

Paul’s father, Walter, was an evangelist and an employee at a steel company. Tragically, he lost his life in a train accident at the steel plant when Paul was just 16 years old. His mother, Trilby, was a homemaker. Paul graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1952. He married Hazel Leora Davis on December 27, 1952, and eight days later, left for Germany, where he was stationed in the U.S. Army. He was affectionately known as the “eight-day wonder”. Paul served in the 101st Airborne Division as a colonel’s driver. His time in the Army took him to Germany; Paris, France; Switzerland; and many other places.

After his military service, Paul began his career in Columbus, Ohio, where he worked in security for Western Electric. He later became a co-owner of Buckeye Overhead Door Service and Buckeye Plate Glass in Columbus, Ohio. His career then took him to Dallas, Texas, where he was employed by AT&T. During semi-retirement, he joined his wife as co-owner of Brigner’s Cake Supply in Garland, Texas. Upon full retirement, Paul and Hazel settled in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Paul and Hazel were active members of the churches they attended in their local communities. Paul served as a Sunday school superintendent, choir leader, and song service leader. He was instrumental in assisting in all areas of the churches he attended. His family cherished being raised in a loving Christian home.

Paul is survived by his sister, Beulah Maple; his children, Paula (Timmy T.) Osborne, Tambrey Brigner, Rhea (Thomas) Withers, and Paul (Hla Hla Shih) Brigner, Jr; eight grandchildren, David (Yvonne) Rentzel, Andrew (Jeana) Rentzel, Tonya (John) Guthrie, Tia (Justin) Peoples, Wynston (Alison) Withers, Brandon Brigner, Nora Brigner, and Phoebe Brigner; and eight great-grandchildren, Zachary Rentzel, Rachel Rentzel, Brock Rentzel, Anthony Rentzel, Shelby Rentzel, Brooke Rentzel, Sophia Rentzel, and Teigen Peoples.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Hazel (Davis) Brigner; his parents; brother, Carl Brigner, and sisters; Naomi Malone, Darlene Shoemaker, and Lena Sanders, all from Portsmouth, Ohio.

Paul, affectionately known as “Papaw” by his family, will be deeply missed. He will be remembered as a hard worker and a great provider for his family. He loved family gatherings, enjoying both the meals and the company of his loved ones. Paul and “Mamaw” took great joy in hosting many family dinners, creating cherished memories together. Above all, he loved his family deeply.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers or gifts that you please express your love with donations to the ministry work & support of his grandson, David Rentzel of Kingdom Life Ministries.

Link below:

https://kingdomlifeearth.churchcenter.com/giving/to/in-honor-of-paul-brigner-sr