Paul W. Stearns

Paul W. Stearns, 76, of Pickerington died unexpectedly Saturday, December 28, 2013, after an accident suffered while working on his farm. He was born March 9,1937 in Avant, Oklahoma to Kenneth and Ruby Stearns. He was one of five siblings and, starting as a boy with a box of newly-hatched chicks, he set upon a life of starting and growing businesses. He worked very hard at everything he did. He pushed his family and everyone he met to step up and challenge themselves and him.

Paul graduated from the Oklahoma State University, and moved north while working for the Manufactured Home Corporation of America.

On September 5, 1964, he married Libby Woodard at Bexley Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio. They started a family in Lansing, Michigan, where they raised their two sons.

Paul founded and grew several businesses in Lansing. Among them were Spartan Oil Corporation, which he owned with the Maguire family, and, later, Valley Lumber, and Ammond Corporation, a manufacturer of automotive products. Paul also developed three auto care centers in the Lansing area. He was a proud member of the Lansing Chamber of Commerce, where he served on the board of directors, of People’s Church in East Lansing, where he served as an Elder, of the Lansing Rotary Club, and of Walnut Hills Country Club.

Paul believed in public service and served as the Chairman of Michigan Governor William G. Milliken’s Small Business Council, as a board member of Lansing Community College, as Chairman of the Ingham County Republican Party, and as a delegate to the 1976 Republican National Convention. He also was a candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives.

In 1992, he and his wife relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where they became members of First Community Church. Paul went on to found Sprint Lube Corporation, a chain of 10 oil lube stores. He was a proud member of Pickerington’s farming and horse community. Having learned to ride horses late in life, he won several local awards for his cutting horse riding.

Throughout his life and especially in retirement, Paul was interested in helping himself as he helped others. From local hospitals and colleges, to prison ministry, Emotions Anonymous and 12 step programs, he was happiest when he was with the community of people he called his friends. A seeker of knowledge and understanding, the journey of life allowed him the benefit of meeting and knowing people from all walks.

Always restless, Paul was constantly involved with projects, large and small--with his spiritual and religious studies; with his family; with a person in whom he saw the spirit of God and wanted to help move forward in life and in spirit; with his beautiful farm that he and his wife, Libby, built and planted together; with his horses; and later with his grandchildren. By day, he was busy and active and outdoors; in the evenings, he was introspective and searching for answers to all the big questions. In his last days, he understood that the most important answer, both spiritually and personally, was in helping someone else.

He is survived by his wife, Libby; his son Dr. Jeffrey Stearns; his son Scott Stearns and daughter-in-law Carla; three grandchildren, Ellie, Libby, and Paul K. Stearns; and siblings Virginia Rosebrook, and Bob and Jerry Stearns. He was pre-deceased by his brother Dale Stearns.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 2, 2014, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Schoedinger East Chapel, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., in Columbus, Ohio. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, January 3, 2014, at 2pm at First Community Church, South Campus, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., in Columbus, Ohio. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or extend condolences.

Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Paul's memory.