Dewayne Allen Pauls

Dewayne Allen Pauls, 87, of Newton, Kan., died Jan. 2, 2025, leaving a legacy of generosity and dedication to his church, community, friends and family. He was a visionary who encouraged others to get involved.

Dewayne was born April 9, 1937, to Henry and Marie Pauls of Inman, Kan. At Bethel College, he met Elisabeth (Betty) Schrag. They were married Sept. 12, 1959, and went to Akron, Pa., for two years of voluntary service. He worked for Menno Travel Service, which made travel arrangements for people going into Mennonite Central Committee service across the world. 

Moving back to the Newton area, he worked as manager of the Guest House Cafeteria, then at Excel Industries in Hesston and then started his own accounting firm, which he had for over 50 years. Recently, he turned the business over to his two daughters, which had been his dream.

He served on the Bethel College Board of Directors and as treasurer of Western District Conference. With several partners, he purchased empty buildings in Newton, fixed them up and filled them with businesses that would benefit the community.

At First Mennonite Church of Newton, he was a youth sponsor for 25 years, Sunday school teacher, treasurer and member of the Trustee Board and Board of Deacons. He was instrumental in many church projects and found joy in planning more than 10 celebration events. 

Surviving are his wife, Elisabeth; daughters Sherrill Woods and Lori (Donald) Kingsley; four grandsons; a great-grandson; and sisters Lorene (Al) Isaacs and Marilyn (Pete) Flaming. He was preceded in death by a sister, Esther; and a brother-in-law, Edward Kaufman. 

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