Paul Hilliard Degarmo

Paul Hilliard DeGarmo, 88, passed on peacefully on February 19, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Niles Ohio on February 15, 1924 to the late Paul A. and Anna H. DeGarmo. Paul was an avid swimmer, Eagle Scout and a lover of all animals, especially his dogs. He was a 1941 graduate of Canton McKinley HS where he was selected for Boys State, and then attended The Ohio State University College of Engineering. A WWII veteran, he proudly served in the Medical Division of the 148th Engineer Combat Battalion participating in five European campaigns including the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He was employed for 36 years by Republic Steel of Massillon, retiring as Superintendent, Enduro Division. A founding member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, he served his community as a volunteer firefighter for the Avondale Fire Department, an early organizer for Avondale Mighty Might Baseball, and a tax preparer for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers Jimmy, Jack and Dan DeGarmo, his sister Betty Schmidt, his daughter JoAnn (Russ) Snyder, his son John (Leslie) DeGarmo, and his best friend Paul (Marcella) Clary. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Norma Jean (Halter), sons Jim (Alica), Paul, Tom (Joanne) and Ray (Gail) DeGarmo and his daughters Jackie DeGarmo and Denese (Ed) Alexsonshk, and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren; brother, Bill (Jean) DeGarmo, nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m Thursday in St. Michael's Catholic Church in Plain Township with Father Don King, Pastor, as celebrant. A private burial with military honors will take place Friday at Western Reserve National Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at Paquelet Funeral Home (1100 Wales Rd N.E.) in Massillon on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. and one hour before services at the church on Thursday. The family would like to thank the loving family at Allay Senior Care and the Hospice teams of Mercy Medical and Harbor Lights. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Paul's name to St. Michael's Parish or Walsh University. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory 330-833-3222