Paul W. Blum, 86, of Tionesta, passed away Thursday morning July 26, 2018 at the Titusville Area Hospital.

Paul was born on Oct. 24, 1931 at Tionesta, PA, a son of the late Elten and Rachel Galmish Blum. He was married to Lois Ann Shelhouse on Sept. 3, 1955 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Tionesta.

He was a graduate of Tionesta High School, class of 1949 and earned an associate degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State Behrend.

Paul was a veteran having served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He entered the service on May 21, 1953 at Pittsburgh, PA and was honorably discharged on May 20, 1955 at Ft. Hood, TX with the rank of corporal.

Paul had worked at Crater Manufacturing in Tionesta as a foreman until 1973. He then opened Blum’s General Merchandise and Appliance Store in Tionesta which he and his wife operated until their retirement in 1998.

Paul was a member of the Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tionesta and a member of the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association.

He was also a member of the Tionesta Volunteer Fire Dept.; a life member of the former Endeavor American Legion; a board member of J. Bowman Proper Charitable Trust; a member of the Tionesta Community Association (TCA); and had served on the Forest County Planning Commission.

He enjoyed hunting, farming, gardening, spending time at camp, riding the Ranger, and spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his wife Lois of Tionesta; a son, Jeffrey P. Blum and wife Cindy of Tionesta; three grandchildren, Nicole Witherell and husband Nathaniel, Erica Blum, and Andrew Blum, all of Tionesta; a great granddaughter, Harper Witherell; a former son-in-law, William Powers and wife Pat of Parker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen S. Powers on Sept. 14, 1999; and three sisters, Lucille Weaver, Mary Hall, and Virginia Whitton.

Friends may call at the Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 2048 German Hill Rd. Tionesta, PA 16353 on Sunday from 1 to 3 PM at which time the funeral service will be conducted with Rev. Samuel Mabugu officiating.

Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery with full military rites.

The family asks that memorials be made to Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery or to the charity of one’s choice.