E. Paul Rathbun II

Paul was born in Lansing on June 27, 1961, to Eugene and Lenora (Jordan) Rathbun of Lansing, MI. Paul was a lifelong Lansing resident committed to the improvement and enjoyment of his community.

Paul attended Ferris State University, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in insurance. He joined the family business, Rathbun Insurance Agency, an independent insurance agency in which he specialized in personal, commercial, life and health insurance. Paul helped thousands of people and businesses in the Lansing region as an agent, supporter, and friend. Under his leadership as the agency's President, the company thrived and serves thousands of Lansing families and businesses.

Paul was an active member of many Lansing-area civic organizations and charitable boards most recently serving on the Capital Region Community Foundation Board, Lansing Rotary (for more than 40 years!), Underground of Good, and was a founding member of the Pere Marquette Art Alley. Paul and his father delivered Meals on Wheels for over 20 years. He served as a former President of the Lansing Jaycees, board member of Ele's Place, and many others. He organized numerous community placemaking events and was a founder of the Capital City Riverfest. Through his business and personally, he sponsored many events including the Delta Township Fireworks, a monthly Rathbun Agency Quotes for a Cause initiative, Old Town Commercial Association events, Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails, local music festivals, and countless others.

Paul placed great importance on his family and friends. Paul found immense pride and pleasure watching sons Ben and Sam grow up to be fine young men. He enjoyed attending their sporting events and sharing many wonderful travels and experiences. Paul and Cat had a great love for each other. They were very social and were blessed and enriched by having a large circle of friends and colleagues. They especially enjoyed collaborating on their construction projects with their gifted builder and team.

Paul was a charter member of the ISA (I Smell Adventure) travel group. He shared numerous adventures and experiences taking fantastic vacations around the world. He was an avid music enthusiast and was an aspiring guitar player. Paul was constantly in motion. He enjoyed cycling, beach volleyball, hockey, and exercising. He was a foodie and always liked to plan several meals ahead. His passion for MSU sports, especially football, was reflected in both his season tickets and his choice to wear green and white on all his travels, connecting with other MSU fans near and far.

Paul was preceded in death by his brother, James Alan Rathbun.

His legacy of embracing life and the opportunity to help others will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Catherine "Cat" (Wilson, Coens) Rathbun; his sons, Benjamin David (Lillian Werbin) Rathbun and Samuel Jordan (fiancé Maggie Furco) Rathbun; his parents, Eugene Paul and Lenora Violet (Jordan) Rathbun; his sister, Cindy Kay (Dirk Douglas) Case; his sister-in-law, Rachel Rathbun; his uncle, Truman "Bud" Jordan; his nieces and nephews, Joshua Jordan (Natalie) Case, Amanda Kay (Trent) Wilson, Alyssa Rathbun, James Rathbun, Jeremiah Rathbun, and Shalyn Rathbun; his first wife, Brenda Ann (Lyon) Rathbun; and many cousins.

The family is being served by Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home at the Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. Visitation is Thursday, August 26, 2021, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Paul had a strong faith and was a member of Riverview Church. Funeral services will be held at the Riverview Church-West location at 7533 W. St. Joseph Highway, Lansing, MI 48917, on Friday, August 27, 2021, at 12 noon with public visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Guests will be seated at 11:30am to allow the family time with Paul prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ele's Place - Capital Region, 1145 W. Oakland, Lansing, MI 48915 or the Capital Region Community Foundation, 330 Marshall St., Lansing, MI 48912.