Paul Thayer von Seldeneck

Paul von Seldeneck, devoted husband, father, PopPaul, brother, and friend went to sleep in Christ on May 22, 2025, just shy of 80 years old. He was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA to the late William Wood and Alice Small von Seldeneck of Waynesboro, VA. (He was well along in life before he realized the flags weren’t out just for his birthday as his sweet mother had him believe.)

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Brenda Judd von Seldeneck; his two daughters, Rebecca von Seldeneck-Houser (Lee) and Marla von Seldeneck Showers (Dusty) both of Waynesboro, VA; seven grandchildren, in order – Dylan Beverly, Eden Houser, Kyle von Seldeneck, Talon Showers, Asaiyah Houser, Yahsha Houser, and Amariyah Houser. Additional survivors include his two dashing older brothers, Bill von Seldeneck (Fran) of Staunton, VA and Roger von Seldeneck (Judy) of Harrisonburg, VA; sister-in-law, Becky Accashian (Bob) of Richmond, VA; nieces and nephews, Lisa Benedetti (Matt), Doug Flora (Jane), Bonnie Flora Charles (Jim), Jeff von Seldeneck (Jillaine), Eric von Seldeneck (Robin), EV von Seldeneck (Aicha); and cousins, Elissa Lethbridge (Keith), and Kevin Sullivan (Denise).

He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Alice Lee von Seldeneck Flora and her husband, Walt.

Paul was into most anything with an engine – planes, trains, and automobiles, although after a short stent as an air traffic controller, it was mostly the latter two. He loved antique cars and model trains and spent much of his free time under a hood or perfecting a layout. He was involved in the local Augusta County Railroad Museum & Model Train Club for many years, making many fun and helpful friends along the way.

He had several different businesses, notably Bec-Mar Printing in Stuarts Draft, VA and worked different jobs until he really found a home at Corner Hardware in Waynesboro where he worked and later managed for 30+ years. He had a servant's heart and his friendly personality shined bright helping the public in that way.

He spent several years (before kids lol) in the JCs volunteering for many fun projects around Waynesboro, including building the late, super fun wooden playground at Ridgeview Park which his daughters loved.

He was “General Homer Run” on his steady steed, a black Walking Horse named, “Roustabout Go Boy,” aka “Roudy” at the Waynesboro Generals Games.

It was truly love at first sight when he saw Brenda and he asked her to marry him on their first date...and she said YES! He loved his two daughters, and then all their children so much! He was always ready with a tootsie pop!

He was continually restoring or collecting something! He built a replica Shelby Cobra that made him the coolest Dad in town to all of his daughters’ friends. He restored a Railroad Fairmont-built Speeder that he and Brenda took on trips with NARCOA. He collected and restored antique Caboose Lanterns and various railroad paraphernalia, and he “picked”, collected, and sold numerous and varied antiques including signs, magazines, printing blocks, civil war relics, etc.

Paul loved the LORD and was an active member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church for 54 years. His kind and gentle spirit, always filled with a child-like wonder, continued to be refined and lived out in his daily life. He was always willing to help at the drop of a hat, even to his own detriment.

The last five years of his life were punctuated by several major illnesses, injuries, and surgeries. Yet with each trial, he rallied and rebuilt his body until this last back surgery did not provide the relief he so desperately desired and he was going to have to do it again. His body was just too tired but his sweet heart stayed so strong for his family and friends. He was suffering a lot but complaining very little. As much as we will miss him until that PERFECT DAY, we all feel the Father’s peace that surpasses ALL understanding knowing that our darling, brave, sweet, kind, strong, and handsome Paul is no longer in pain. We love you, Paul, Daddy, PopPaul, Freddie Bear. “Take these broken wings and learn to fly. Blackbird fly.”

The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Waynesboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Augusta County Railroad Museum.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com