Obituary of The Rev. Paul M. Stadelman

The Rev. Paul M. Stadelman, 74, of Buckhannon died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown after a short illness. He was born July 30, 1943, in Olean, N.Y., the son of the late L.P. “Dutch” and Eveyln Marsh Stadelman. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 32 years, the Rev. Helen R. Oates; four sons: Christopher Paul (Kelly) Stadelman of Thomas, Paul Matthew (Lisa) Stadelman of Beckley, Jonathan Scott (Alyssa) Stadelman of Pittsburgh, Philip Marsh Stadelman of Buckhannon; one daughter, Rachel Marie Stadelman Joyner (Michael) of Coolville, Ohio; three grandsons: Matthew Alexander Stadelman (Stephanie) of Morgantown, Julian Sirod Stadelman of Buckhannon, Braylin Lamar Joyner of Coolville, Ohio; one granddaughter: Aria Grace Stadelman of Pittsburgh; one sister: Louise Spahn (Michael) of East Aurora, N.Y.; several cousins, nieces and nephews, and all the many others to whom he was a father figure. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Ruth Murray. Paul was a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College and Drew University Theological School. He served the Lord and congregations of the United Methodist Church across West Virginia for more than 50 years. Paul’s greatest joys in life were proclaiming the Gospel and spending time with his family, celebrating the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, reading, birdwatching and planting flowers. A celebration of Paul’s life will be Sunday, Oct. 29, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Buckhannon. Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 5 p.m., with a worship service beginning at 5 p.m. with the Revs. Loretta and Ravi Isaiah officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heifer Project International so Paul can finally fill his ark.