Paul Robert Kissel, 87, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Protection Valley Manor in Protection, Kansas.  He was born July 20, 1936 in Evansville, Indiana, the fifth of 11 children born to Louis R. and Dorothy (Roth) Kissel.  He lived in rural Evansville where he attended one-room schoolhouses in his early years.  He graduated from Reitz High School in Evansville in June of 1954.

Following high school, Paul worked for B&M Construction, laying concrete and doing carpentry work.  In the fall of 1956, he came to Protection to work for his cousin, Joe Schumacher, on his farm and cattle operation.  On April 1, 1959, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington and served as an administrator for the incoming GI's.  After serving two years in the military, Paul returned to Protection to continue helping Joe Schumacher and began farming and ranching in March of 1961.

In the early years, Paul was a proud member of the FFA Chapter, 4-H Club, and Rural Youth of Vandenburg County in Evansville where he served several years, holding many leadership roles.  Paul learned many things growing up on the farm and used that knowledge to expand his agricultural business opportunities.

Paul met his future wife, Linda (Spangler) Kissel, at a dance in Buffalo, Oklahoma and they married on April 27, 1963.  They celebrated 60 years of marriage together in April 2023.  Paul and Linda were blessed with four children: Kirk, Tina, Amy, and Dayla.

Paul had a heart for service and later served many roles in the community.  Throughout his life, he was a dedicated member of the following local board of directors: Farm Bureau, Comanche County Conservation, Box Ranch Association, Protection Cooperative, CMS Electric, Protection School Board, and Protection Christian Church Board.  Paul and Linda joined the Protection Christian Church of Protection in 1968.

In his spare time, Paul enjoyed gardening, golfing, playing cards, marbles, and dancing with Linda.  He always cared for his horses and livestock.  Later in life he had a special bond with his dog (Sarge) and his cat (Tiger).

Paul is remembered as a man with a sweet soul who loved the Lord and his family.  He always took time for others by listening and getting to know them.  His witty sense of humor made people laugh and made him a likable person.

He is survived by his four children: Kirk (Gayla) Kissel, Tina (Joe) Dickey, Amy (Brad) Miller, and Dayla (Dave) Baalman; eleven grandchildren: Megan McCuiston (Stephen), Kaycee Nelson (Max), Jessica Harris (Taylon), Jalen Dickey (Lindsey), Logan Dickey, Gracyn Rack (Jared), Jenna Miller, Lauryn Miller, Tori Miller, Kaden Baalman, and Rylan Baalman; seven great-grandchildren; brothers: Marlin (Agnes) Kissel, Reuben (Joyce) Kissel, John (Carolyn) Kissel, David (Barbara) Kissel, and Richard (Maritta) Kissel; sisters: Wilma Heilman, June Neyhouse, Ruth France, and Mary Farney; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Linda; a brother: Warren Kissel; and a granddaughter: Makena Baalman.

Funeral service is at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Protection Christian Church in Protection, Kansas, with Pastor Rusty Westerfield presiding.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Protection Cemetery in Protection, Kansas, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Protection Valley Manor or Protection Christian Church in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.