Paul Wayne Dishong

Paul Wayne Dishong, 89, of Elkhart passed away peacefully into God’s arms at his home on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023.  He was born in Ossian, Indiana on November 29th, 1933 to the late Raleigh and Louva (McClane) Dishong.  

Paul was an intelligent man of faith and honor.  He graduated from Ossian High School in 1951.  After high school he would serve his country as a Navy reservist from 1952-1959.  He would continue his education at Olivet Nazarene where he received his Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Biology in 1959.  He would later earn his Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University South Bend.   

Paul would spend 33 years as a teacher, 27 of those years were spent in the Edwardsburg school system where he was also a coach for girls and boys basketball programs.  Many of his students considered him to be among the best teachers they had and would remain in contact with him throughout his life.   This was his legacy.

Paul was an incredible athlete, while at Olivet Nazarene, he starred in several sports and was elected into the Olivet Nazarene Hall of fame.  

After retiring from teaching in 1994, he would enjoy painting, watching sports, particularly Indiana University basketball and reading. He took great pride in sharing that he read the bible at least three times from cover to cover.  

Paul was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather that relished the holiday dinners, playing games with his grandkids and watching all of them in their sporting events.  He had a tremendous sense of humor and would make his family laugh with his mischievous smile.  If you know him, you are smiling right now. 

He was an old school influencer that put a dent in the world.  He impacted many people in his community, but no more than his own family.  He will be greatly missed by all that knew him, but he will be cherished by his daughters most.  He taught them to become strong and resilient.  His physical presents may be gone but his spirit will live in his family forever.  

Paul is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Sue Dishong (Clem); daughters Tracy (Bobby) Begley and Lisa (Claude) Donati; grandchildren, Frank Culkar IV, Matthew Culkar, Michael (Natalie) Culkar, Robert Begley, Alexis (Gary) Yeoman, Maria Donati, Sophia Donati, and Keri Richmond; He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, George Dishong; and his sister Betty Yaney.

Visitation will take place from 10am-12pm on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart, Indiana.  A service will follow at noon with Paul being laid to rest at Adamsville Cemetery, immediately following the service.  

Memorial donations may go to Olivet Nazarene Scholarship Fund and the Humane Society of Elkhart County.

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