On Monday, December 14, 2020, Dr. Paul Wesley Gamertsfelder passed away at the age of 92. Paul will be forever remembered by his wife, Ruth Barber Gamertsfelder, his daughter Adria (Bradley) Schumann, his son Thomas (Kathy) Gamertsfelder, six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and one brother Karl (Trudi) Gamertsfelder. He is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, stepchildren and step grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by two wives, Janet Welton Gamertsfelder, Wanda Ritzman Gamertsfelder, his parents, Raymond and Beulah Gamertsfelder and 3 siblings, John Gamertsfelder, Ruth Bachman and Mary Park.
After graduating from his hometown high school in Coshocton, Ohio, Paul attended Olivet Nazarene University and graduated from The Ohio State University School of Optometry. He was an optometrist in Columbus for over 40 years. He joined the Navy Reserves and reached the rank of Commander before retiring.
Dr. Paul, as he was affectionately known, was the founder of Work and Witness in the Church of the Nazarene, a ministry which has inspired thousands of mission trips all over the world, himself leading over 60 international trips to share Christ and build buildings wherever needed, all with volunteer teams and donated money.
He was honored with the construction of the Gamertsfelder Mission Center in Frome, Jamaica; an eye surgery center for the greater Caribbean region built in his name. He also was honored by his alma mater The Ohio State University School of Optometry with the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award for extraordinary service to his patients, his profession, his country and humanity.
Dr. Paul was a member of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene for over 70 years. He was happy to serve in any capacity, whether it was a committee or board, organist or choir, mowing the grass or cleaning up after any activity.
A private service will be held for immediate family, with a Celebration of Life service to be scheduled at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, Gamertsfelder Mission Center, Frome, Jamaica or Work and Witness, Church of the Nazarene.
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