He attended Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1964. He was an active participant in 4H clubs during his younger years. Shortly after graduating, he was drafted into the Army, but quickly requested to be changed to the Navy where he served in the Vietnam War from 1966-1969. While he was stationed in Alameda, California, he met Sharon, his loving wife of 55 years. Sharon and Paul were married in Reno, NV on March 15, 1969. He convinced her to move back to Maine with him and they raised their family together in Auburn.
After returning to Maine, he attended University of Maine in Farmington under the GI bill with a focus on general studies. He worked in various maintenance jobs for several years and was also an electrical apprentice. He then pursued his career working for The Career Center in Lewiston as a job developer for 32 years before retiring. During his years at the Career Center, he hosted and organized multiple job fairs across Maine.
His interests included American History, especially the Civil War. He travelled to many Civil War battlefields and historic sites with his wife and daughter Cheryl. He has collected many Civil War artifacts over the years and proudly displayed them in his home. He was also an avid coin and gun collector and was a supportive member of the NRA. He spent many years restoring classic cars, his favorite being Mustangs. He had many skills, including carpentry, automotive repair and electrical, often saving money by working on his own home repairs. He also enjoyed working with wood and always had a warm fire going in the woodstove for his family.
After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed travelling and camping trips, even towing their camper across country to California. He was a loving family man and enjoyed hosting family gatherings and BBQs at their home. He was a member of Court St. Baptist Church where he served on the Diaconate Board and was most recently active in the Search Committee to find a new pastor. He also enjoyed being part of the “prayer warriors” where he organized prayer requests through email.
He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter Denise Purington. He is survived by his Wife, Sharon Goding of Auburn; his daughter Cheryl Milton and her husband Jarrod Milton of Poland; two grandsons, Brady and Carter Milton; son David Goding of Sacramento, CA and his significant other, Tanya Puente of Martinez, CA; son in law, Robert Purington, Jr of Mechanic Falls; step mother, Jean Goding of Auburn, and her children, Susan (Woods)Abbott of Wilmington, MA and Jonathan Groves of Auburn; sister Betty Dolloff and her significant other Mike Caron of Turner; his nephew Cameron (Erin) Hinkley; niece Kayla (Aaron) Manifold; and several cousins.
The family invites you to a time of visitation on May 23rd from 10:00am to 11:00am; immediately followed by a funeral service at 11:00am all at Grace Lutheran Church 757 Summer St, Auburn ME. The committal service will take place at Gracelawn Memorial Park 980 Turner St. Auburn on May 29th at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to International Ministries, 1003 W 9th Avenue, Suite A, King of Prussia, PA 19406
You may offer your condolences or share your memories at www.thefortingroupauburn.com
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