Paul William “Bill” Studebaker
Share
Funeral services for Paul William “Bill” Studebaker, 85, of Lawrence, KS, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023 at First Christian Church. Interment will follow at Clinton Cemetery. He passed away Friday, November 3, 2023, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Paul “Bill” was born May 23, 1938 in Chanute, KS, the son of Paul Murrell Studebaker and Doris Pearl Cogan. He was a graduate of El Dorado High School in El Dorado, KS. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
He married Katherine Ann Calkins on July 6, 1958 at Hillside Christian Church in Wichita, KS. She preceded him in death in 2016. After graduating from K-State, he accepted a job with Cabot Industries in Pampa, TX, moving his family from the Sunflower State for about a year. In October 1965, he accepted a position at FMC, Corp in Lawrence, KS and remained with them for 33 years, until his retirement in 1999. During his career he was a member of American Institute of Chemical Engineers, a Fellow with The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management, and a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager Master Level. Post-retirement he continued with environmental consulting, as owner of Southwind Environmental Associates, Inc.
Paul was an active member of First Christian Church, serving as an elder, Trustee, Trustee Chair & Treasurer, Trustee Emeritus, Board of Directors for The Giving Tree, and member of Joy Club.
He was also active with L.I.N.K., serving as a board member. Throughout his life he was also involved with raising, breeding, and showing Morgan horses, hauling numerous horses to countless horse shows for his three daughters. From time to time, he even hit the show ring himself! He was an active member of American Morgan Horse Association, Wheat State Morgan Horse Club, Heart of America Morgan Horse Club, 4-H, and Girl Scouts, as any good girl dad does!
Survivors include daughters Paula Meyers (Joe), Lawrence, Susan Boehnke (David), Overland Park, KS, and Pamela Kucza (Joel), Lawrence; seven grandchildren, Curtis Meyers (Mary), Daniel Meyers (Amanda), Mark Kucza (Grace), Jacob Kucza (Lyndsey), Sarah Kucza, Noah Kucza, Matthew Boehnke (Sarah); seven great-grandchildren, Kaci and Kaiden Jimboy, David Meyers, Rowan Meyers, Henry Kucza, Maggie Kucza, and Otis Kucza; one sister, Jean Denny, El Dorado, KS; One sister-in-law, Carol Murray (Ernie Doyon), Wichita, KS; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Katie, parents, infant brother (James Robert), infant sister (Mary Louise), and niece Janice Hofstetter.
The family will greet friends from 4-6pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Memorials may be made in his name to LINK or The Giving Tree Scholarship Fund c/o First Christian Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
I knew Paul for a brief period during the mid-90s while working for and with him at FMC. In that time he taught me great deal about character, integrity, and kindness. What a wonderful man. He will be missed.
I knew Paul when at worked at the FMC plant in Lawrence from 1998-2002.
He was kind and very helpful in my learning of environmental issues and the best way to approach training for the employees.
He was one of the nicest men I have ever worked with.
I know the world was a better place due to his contributions. So sorry for the loss to the family and those who knew him.
Bill and I, while in high School, had a small band that played “once” at the Rec. Center in downtown ElDorado, KS – he on the saxophone
and me on the trumpet. We both practiced environmental chemistry in our adult lives, and were in contact for many years via internet emails.
Bill was a good man, and I really enjoyed his friendship all these years since our High School days. I had imagined that I would visit him and his family sometime in the near future, and was greatly saddened to be informed of his passing. I wish the family well in their moment of loss; we will all miss him and think of him fondly in our future days….
Remembering a wonderful man, coworker and friend. He was so proud of his family. My deepest sympathy to each of you.
Remembering a wonderful man and friend. Paul’s memory and legacy will forever be felt within Kanwaka Township. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Our sincere sympathy to the family. I enjoyed both Katie and Bill. He was so much fun to visit with. It is so hard to lose parents! Our condolences.
Burke met Paul years ago as hay help. The first time I met, Paul he was Santa. Our child walked away wide eyed and with absolute belief that this was Santa, not the usual helper. Later, we worked together at FMC and a true friendship evolved. He enjoyed his work, he loved his Katie and their family. I looked forward to his sharing each new baby with such joy. Paul contributed so much during his time here and will be missed. We pray for all who are grieving.
Dear Paula and Family, I only met your father a couple of times but I know what a wonderful man he was as reflected in the wonderful children he and your mother raised. Unfortunately, I will be out of town so will not be able to attend his memorial service but certainly would have had I been here. Please know I am thinking of you and sending much love and comforting thoughts your way.
My deepest sympathy to all. I so enjoyed working with him and having him as a friend for many years! Hugs and prayers to all of you.