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Paul Christopher Church

Paul Church Obituary

I met my soulmate, Paul on thanksgiving day 2006. It was love at first site, we never parted since that day until July 3rd 2009. We fell in love rather quickly, our courtship was delayed when Paul left in Oct 2007 to go to Kuwait for eight months. That time he was gone was an ultimate sacrifice but I was determined to wait for him and see him return. Once he returned May 21st 2008, he surprised me with a proposal of marriage, which I happily accepted. We were then married on October 5th, 2008. We then found out in Dec that I was pregnant and we were both extremely excited and began the preparations for the arrival. Everything was going as planned until July 3rd, 2009.

I was 8& 1/2 months pregnant and found Paul in our bedroom on the floor with a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. I fell to the floor in utter shock & disbelief, and called 911. After that it was such a blur. Our dog Cassie never barked or cried, it was as if she had known, Paul was gone.

I haved learned so much in just the short three months since Paul's tragic death. He had suffered from PTSD and TBI from serving in the war in Iraq. I have been "saved" by TAPS, (tragedy assistance program for survivors). I really didn't know how prevalent this was in the military and that this suicide rate is increasing to a staggering new statistic. I didnt see any signs with Paul, he was shielding it from me and never spoke to his military buddies. This is so common with PTSD, keeping it to themselves. Paul also suffered from survivor guilt, he lost friends and many were injured from his seabee unit. I will continue to seek out more knowlege of this disorder and hope to give back to TAPS someday and help another widow in my shoes. I hope people really understand the sacrifices our troops and their families face. Not only do we have to worry about them in danger at war, but what happens when they return and what they keep with them.

I am not angry at Paul, this is not a selfish act, but an act to extinguish the intense pain in his mind that no one could understand except Paul. He was the most giving and for him to have done this makes me realize that much more that he was in such anguish. God bless Paul and keep him and all the others like him in your prayers.

Born: Oct 25, 1966 in Rochester,NY

Died: Jul 03, 2009 in Homosassa,FL

About: Started his navy career in 1986. Served in IRAQ 2004-05, KUWAIT-2008, was a navy seabee from NMCB14 in Tampa,FL. Avid supporter of SPCA Worked at James A. Haley veterens hospital in Tampa,FL His beloved father Bruce served in the Korean War.

Obituary

CHURCH, Paul Christopher The Service of Remembrance for Mr. Paul Christopher Church, age 42, of Homosassa, will be held 10 am, Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at the St. Scholastica Catholic Church, Lecanto; followed by a graveside service with Full Military Honors at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of memorial donations to Patriot Paws Service Dogs (serving disabled veterans), 811 Yellowjacket Lane, Suite 115, Rockwall, TX 75087. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.HooperFuneralHome.comHe was born Sept. 25, 1966, in Rochester, NY, son of Bruce and Gail (Yohn) Church. He died July 3, 2009, in Homosassa.Mr. Church was a Navy veteran serving as a Seabee in Iraq.Mr. Church was preceded in death by father, Bruce Church.Survivors include wife, Elizabeth Church of Homosassa; son, Evan Matthew Church of Homosassa; mother, Gail Church and 3 brothers, Corey Church, Steven Church, and Jack Church, all of Rochester, NY. Arrangements under the direction ofthe Homosassa Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes.

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Published by Cleveland.com on Jul. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Church

77 Entries

ELIZABETH CHURCH

October 25, 2009

Dearest Paul,
You were my rock, my best friend, my beloved husband, and father to our son Evan Matthew, beautiful human being and a true man. Your integrity, honor, loyality, humor, love, and generosity will be forever missed. The joy & happiness you brought to my life was incredible, I was fulfilled beyond words. You were so charasmatic, charming, and yes full of chivalry. I loved you like no other, you were one of a kind. You are with God and the pain you suffered is no longer. Be in peace my love, you will never be forgotten. Evan will be your amazing image and I will raise him to be the man you were. Be our guardian angel as I know you will and never forget the life we shared was a lifetime of everything I ever dreamed of. I am proud to be your wife and mother of our beautiful son, we had the most special time together and I will see you in the next life!

Eileen Endres

May 24, 2014

I want to share my recent thoughts after visiting this beautiful website. I only knew Paul for a short time but have nice memories of him as kind, funny man who kept us laughing! His sweet son Evan keeps us entertained as well and is such a joy to be with! Please Paul watch over your family on earth we miss you deeply! Beth`s Mom

Dianne Cekada

May 11, 2014

As I anticipate the upcoming five year anniversary date of my brother-in-law, Paul´s passing, I reflect on the hundreds of heartfelt thoughts and prayers said to ease the pain and suffering of those closest to him. I have over the years watched his beautiful legacy, Evan, grow into an adorable, smart, sensitive little boy who is a true joy and witness my sister be an amazing mother to him. Paul´s life impacted ours so profoundly and he will continue to be missed as Beth´s beloved husband, Evan´s beautiful Daddy, our special brother-in-law, and thoughtful, attentive uncle to Brian, Michael and Nicholas.
On Mother´s Day, I lovingly remember Paul and lift up my sister, Beth as well as his mother, Gail in prayer. May the peace of Jesus remain in the hearts of all those who were closest to Paul and may Paul forever rest in peace and be present in the midst of our Lord.
Dianne and Brian Cekada
McGaheysville, VA

Eric Munke

May 29, 2010

I was sitting here reading this today while waiting for my own fiancee to get ready to go to Busnell to visit you. As you know my friend I suffer from PTSD myself and have not been able to grieve your passing until now. I have lost many friends over the years but one that has affected me the way you did. I almost knew from the beginning that we would be friends that day in Specialty Clincs. You and I were so much alike. Pransters, Joksters and all. I found out about your passing after your funeral so I was not able to go. Its kinda funny, I have been in counciling and we have discussed you many times and the fact I have not been able to grieve about this until today. I have not been to see you Paul because in my mind it was not real. I felt that if I went I would have to finally realize you would not be here with me anymore. I am crying my first tears for you right now and I hurt. You are gone my friend but your memory lives on in each one of that you touched. I love you brother. I too like Sam hope that you are there to meet me when I too come home. Elizabeth and Evan, I am here if you ever need me, Please accept my deepest thoughts this memorial day. God Bless you. Eric Dan Munke III

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Walter Groover

March 26, 2010

As I read the entries from family and friends I am humbled by the fact that all who knew you were instantly smitten by you. You will be missed by all. All who knew you will be forever touched by your good graces and especially your wonderful sense of humor. I miss you Paul.

gruvdaddy

Barry Rivernider

November 13, 2009

Beth,
As I sit here and think about missing Paul, I think of when we met. I remember how proud and happy he was introducing you to me. I knew from that moment he was head over heals in love with you, and that you would be married. Even though he resisted for the longest time due to his previous marriage, I knew the day would come that you and he would walk down the isle together. He was an incredible person and it is evident that he touched the hearts of everyone he met. There isn't a moment that I don't miss him........... God Bless you and Evan.

Linda Kircher

October 31, 2009

Dear Beth, You have created a beautiful tribute to your husband. He has left you with many beautiful memories and of course your sweet little boy. As a long time friend of Gail and Bruce, I also have memories of Paul growing up. My heart aches for you and his entire family. Know that you will meet again, for our time on earth is not all there is. Peace.

Judith Kelly

October 31, 2009

Beth, I just learned of Paul's passing. Paul grew up with my daughters. I remember his high energy and sense of fun. Our thoughts are with you and his son. My heartfelt sorrow to Gail.

Audrey Graban

October 29, 2009

Dear Beth, We are dear friends of the Churches. Every Christmas Eve, they would come to enjoy the holiday with us. I remember Paul with his amazing smile and his fun loving personality. He will live on in his beautiful son, Our love, Audrey and George Graban.

Diane Roman

October 29, 2009

The first time I met Paul was at their wedding. But I knew long before I met him I would love him. I've know Beth for years, heard about all her less than perfect dating experiences, I knew she would never settle for anything less than a true soulmate. And then she and Paul found each other. Paul was her true soulmate. I had never seen Beth so happy. And for that I will always love Paul for bringing such joy to my best friend. Their time together was not long, but the love they shared was more than most people experience in a lifetime. Each time Beth looks at their precious son, she will know Paul is not far from his family, he will be the guardian angel watching over them from heaven. Beth has been phenominal throughout this tragedy. She is such a strong woman and I am so proud of her. This beautiful tribute to her husband shows what a loving and caring person Beth is. It will be a pleasure to watch Mr. Evan grow up to be just like his Daddy.

Gail Church

October 28, 2009

Dearest Beth-
Thank you for the wonderful tribute to my son. I will miss him forever and I know life will be difficult without him. However, I have so many precious memories of a son so very loving and giving.
I am so grateful that he had your love, Beth, his last years on this earth. And thank you for Evan; what a precious gift!
Love, Gail

Samuel Rodriguez

October 25, 2009

I haven't been able to laugh quite fully since my best friend left my side. There isn't a moment that passes that I don't think of one of the most beautiful souls in the world. You were my angel when I thought I wasn't going to make it. You taught me the laughter and hope heal the heart. I just wish we had more time to clown around. I wish I had one more chance to tell you that I miss you and that you will always be my best friend.
Your memory will live on in your son, all of our thoughts, and all of our hearts. Never has a soul ever touched so many of us, so profoundly, so genuinely, so beautifully as my friend Paul...
I hope you'll wait for every one of us at Heaven's Gates when we finally leave this world and become reacquianted in heaven...

always your friend and brother in arms,
Sam