Paul E. Hirschy will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving his family, friends, community, and Jesus Christ. Hirschy, 75, died from complications due to cancer on December 1, 2021 at his long-time home in Huntington, Ind.
Hirschy is survived by his wife, Barbara A. (Newton) Hirschy; his son Jason (Ali) Hirschy of Thornton, Colo.; his daughters Heather (Nathan) Gonzales of Washington, D.C. and Amber (Varun) Kaushik of Alexandria, Va.; seven grandchildren and three step grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sisters, Carolyn Girod of Decatur, Ind. and Helen (Larry) Funk of Mesa, Ariz.; his brother Richard (Inez) Hirschy of Monroe, Ind.; his brother-in-law, Wayne Byerly of Decatur, Ind; and multiple nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Melvena Hirschy, and sisters Florine Smith and Edith Byerly.
Paul Hirschy was born on July 16, 1946, in Adams County, Indiana to Noah and Melvena, and graduated from Adams Central High School in 1964. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (1968) and Master of Divinity (1972) degrees from Huntington College (now University). More importantly, that’s where he met a future elementary school teacher named Barb, and the two were married on June 21, 1969. Together, they raised three kids in Huntington.
For more than four decades, Paul served in various roles for the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. He was pastor of Park U.B. Church in Bluffton for nine years and director of the Department of Church Services for 20 years before leading the denomination as bishop of the U.S. National Conference from 2001 to 2005. He subsequently worked for Huntington University in the Advancement Office and most recently was an associate pastor for College Park. U.B. Church in Huntington. In September, Paul received Huntington University’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
There’s nothing Paul wouldn’t do to help someone in need. Driven by his devotion to his family and his faith in Jesus Christ, Hirschy was always the first person to offer assistance, whether it was cutting someone’s grass or visiting them in the hospital. He also loved to garden, golf, and make sure his own lawn was freshly mowed. Long road trips were always a welcome adventure to Paul, who visited all 50 states with Barb, as well as adventures to Italy and India and a trip to Israel with Heather.
Back at home, he enjoyed playing games and putting together puzzles with his kids and grandkids, often with a Dr. Pepper in hand. And no one in the family will ever match Paul’s commitment to ice cream, from buying a gallon on every trip to the grocery store or making it at home and serving unnecessarily large portions to anyone in sight.
While the family is mourning his passing, it knows Paul is in heaven where the Lord is saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
Viewing is scheduled for 2:00 - 7:00 pm on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Myers Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, Indiana.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Monday, December 20, 2021 at College Park Church, 1945 College Ave., Huntington, Indiana. Bishop Todd Fetters will officiate. We will be following the CDC’s guidelines for Social Distancing and Social Gathering Limits. The family requests that guests wear masks during the services.
Paul will be buried outside of Monroe at Ray Cemetery with a graveside service at 2:30 pm on December 20, 2021.
Memorial donations can be made to Huntington University or College Park U.B. Church, both in care of Myers Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, IN 46750.
