Paul "Bunny" Draton Phelps, Jr.

Paul “Bunny” Draton Phelps Jr., peacefully departed this life at the age of 84, on Saturday, November 21, 2015 in Waukegan, Illinois where he was surrounded by love, laughter and great care by his family and canine caregiver, Rose.

Paul was born on September 10, 1931 to Paul Sr. and Marvel Phelps in Elm Hall, Michigan. He had fond memories of the many summers he spent with his Grandparents, Claude & Maude, on their farm in nearby Riverdale, Michigan. The family later moved to Lansing where he was raised. Paul married Elinor “Ellie” Swanson January 27, 1950, at Valley Farms Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan and eventually settled in Haslett, Michigan to raise their four children. He enlisted and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956 during the Korean War. After serving, he attended Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Police Administration. Paul’s career path led him to the Michigan Department of Public Health in Lansing as Department Health Supervisor for Healthcare Facilities Legal Activity. His passion to protect those in need was highlighted in this role, which he was predominately responsible for ensuring elderly care facilities were providing safe and adequate care to their residents. As a season ticket holder with a strong passion for Spartan football and hockey, he was often seen proudly displaying his loyalties with a green and white ‘S’ on his chest, hat, and garage door. These loyalties developed into a continued relationship as his children, grandchildren, friends and the Spartan family would further embrace and support each other. Paul loved outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, softball, and golf as well as a favorite indoor activity, bowling. Paul and Ellie hosted many fun golf and bowling cookouts, complete with bonfire in the backyard with friends and family. He spent as much time as possible at his cabin in Germfask, MI with his father, brother; brother-in-law’s and close friends. Occasionally, he allowed the rest of his family and their friends to join him, including his nieces and nephews who all have great memories of these special times. During his final days, as he had done on so many prior occasions, Bun displayed an inordinate amount of strength, grit, charisma, kindness, and love. These gifts are the fundamental and spiritual pillars of Paul and like his voice will echo throughout the hearts of those fortunate enough to have stood witness to these moments. Paul was of strong character but also had a very soft side with the elderly and young children, especially little babies. He greatly valued his wife, family and life-long friendships.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Marvel and Paul Sr., his loving wife Ellie, siblings Mary Lou, Dorothea Kay, and Larry Joe. He is survived by his four children Ronald (Deborah) in Waukegan, IL; Thomas (Tammy) in Vicksburg, MI; Michael (Patricia) in Haslett, MI; Julie (Thomas) Ullrich in Chicago, IL. Grandpa (aka Bumpa) had eight grandchildren: David (Miranda) VanCleve, Brian (Carly) VanCleve, Paul Phelps, Cameron Phelps, Eric Phelps, Kristen (David) Phelps, Mazur Ullrich and Elinor Ullrich. He is also survived by three great grandchildren: Ariana, Liliana and Hudson.

The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 30, 2015 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Paul’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Capital Area Regional Office, 2111 University Park Dr., Suite 200, Okemos, MI 48864. Please take time to visit those who are alone whether they remember you or not. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.