It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas A. Paul, of Ludington, announces his passing on Sunday, October 15, 2017, at the age of 59.

Tom was born on December 26, 1957 to Archie and Ruth (Granger) Paul. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1976 and went on to receive an accounting degree from Michigan State University. While there he met and married Cathleen Morang and they would raise a family while running the family business, Paul Tree Farms. Tom dedicated himself to the tree farm and found his career deeply rewarding. He relished the time outdoors and the physicality of the work. In his life, only his family would give Tom more satisfaction than his farm.

Tom is lovingly remembered as a farmer, businessman, outdoor enthusiast and sportsman. He spent over 20 years pitching for several Class A softball teams. He was deeply honored to have been recently inducted into the US Softball Hall of Fame. He had a lifelong love of snowmobiling with a special affinity for the woods of the Upper Peninsula. He was also passionate about fishing on the Great Lakes and making the yearly trip to Islamorada to sell Christmas trees.

Tom will be greatly missed by Cathy, his wife of 37 years; his children: Melissa (Paul) Hanna of Ludington and Tom Jr. “T.J.” Paul of Ludington; his five grandchildren: Zoe, Bradley, Eila, Auden, Leif; his loving mother, Ruth Paul; and his three siblings: Deborah Paul, Ronald (Jo Ann) Paul, Richard (Suzanne) Paul; his mother-in-law Marjorie Morang; brothers-in-law: David Morang and Mike Morang; sister-in-law: Elaine Morang; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Archie Paul and father-in-law John Morang Jr.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Ludington. Family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m.

The family requests that casual attire be worn, preferably something that celebrates a favorite sports team (especially if it is MSU) or that reflects on Tom’s love of fishing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Lakeshore Animal Friends or to protect the great lakes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Ludington.

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