Paul Dean "Oakie" Waddell

Paul Dean “Oakie” Waddell, 93, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away on Wednesday February 22, 2023 at his home. He was born on July 30, 1929 in New Vienna the son of Paul and Elizabeth Bean Waddell. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elizabeth VanPelt Waddell who he married December 15, 1951. He is also survived by his five daughters: Janet Barrett, Karen (Allen) Perry, Cindy (Chuck) Howe, Joan Hinman and Beth (Terry) Habermehl; fourteen grandchildren; Ellen Barrett, Laura Barrett, Ross Barrett, Kristen Perry Gribbons, Austin Perry, Christopher Perry, Phillip Howe, Alex Howe, Jordan Howe Cohen, Carolyn Hinman, Joe Hinman, Mary Anne Hinman McDonald, Elizabeth Habermehl Kraatz and Patrick Habermehl and fifteen great-grandchildren. His sister, Darlene Woodmansee also survives. In 1947 he graduated from Fairfield High School. He attended Wilmington College where he played football, basketball and baseball. After graduation in 1951 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served in Japan and Korea until 1954. Upon his return, he began his teaching/coaching career at Good Hope High School and then Sabina High School. He taught and coached football and basketball from 1956-1960 at Greenfield McClain High School. Three SCOL football titles and two SCOL basketball titles were won during those Years. From there he went on to teach and be the head football coach for the Wilmington Hurryin’ Hurricane. From 1961 to 1966 his teams were not only successful (three of his teams were SCOL champions) but the mutual respect and bond that developed with his players lasted a lifetime. He, Liz and the girls moved from Wilmington to VanPelt Road to farm in 1972. He continued to teach and retired from teaching in 1980. He and Liz decided to do something for themselves, they took up golf. They thoroughly enjoyed this part of their lives, They loved the friendships they made and their yearly trips to Waynesville, North Carolina. Dean always dreamed of being a business owner and he took great pride in the years he and Liz owned and operated Waddell Couriers, associated with Airborne. He took on one more job, working for GNC in Wilmington. He enjoyed horse racing as a hobby and owned and trained horses that raced at our local Clinton County Fair. His time in the Marine Corps was a defining time in his life. Although he, like most of that generation, kept those experiences to himself, he was definitely a better man for it. Once a Marine always a Marine. He was the former Commandment of the Marine Corps League: Pvt. Robert B. Crites Detachment 995. He was instrumental in helping to bring to life the Clinton County Veteran’s Memorial in Wilmington. He was ever present in representing the Marine corps in local parades as well as Wounded Warriors, Toys for Tots and helping out where he was needed. He was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Wilmington. He was very involved through the years from teaching Sunday School to Chairman of the Board, to helping spearhead fundraising efforts when the church expanded. He always said that he was the luckiest man in the world and he would do it all again if he could. We could ask for nothing more. Visitation will be on Tuesday March 7, 2023 at the First Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) Wilmington from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. His funeral service will be on Wednesday March 8, 2023 also at the church at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery, Lees Creek. Arrangements are under the direction of Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina. Contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice or Wounded Warriors, The First Christian Church.or Hospice of Dayton..