Dewayne Pauls

Dewayne Allen Pauls passed away on January 2, 2025 surrounded by his wife and children leaving behind a legacy of generosity, involvement and dedication to his church, community and to his friends and family. He also was a visionary who encouraged others to get involved with him.

Dewayne was born on April 9, 1937 to Henry and Marie Pauls of Inman, KS. He grew up on a farm southwest of Inman. When he was six years old he contracted polio. The doctors were not sure if he would walk again or recover. With the help of Dr. McPeak, of Hutchinson, his mother was able to help him recover. She heated wool blankets in the washer and then placed them on his legs. This was extremely painful and he remembers crying when he heard the washer going. This was the first of a number of serious illnesses in which he was able to rally and recover with determination.

His mother taught him at home for the first year of school. He attended second grade in a one room school house about a mile and half from his home. He attended Inman High School and then went to Bethel College in North Newton, KS. The first two years at Bethel were a social time for him and he knew most of the students by name. Between his sophomore and junior year a teacher confronted him during the summer break telling him that he was wasting Bethel’s time and his money. If he didn’t want to change he should go home. This made him extremely angry for the rest of the summer. But when the fall semester started he decided to prove her wrong. Much to his surprise he started making As and Bs rather than the Cs of the past. He was never able to thank her since she did not return to teaching in the fall.

At Bethel, while working at the library Dewayne met Elisabeth (Betty) Schrag. They were married on September 12, 1959. In October of that year they went to Akron, PA for two years of voluntary service. Graduating with an accounting degree he worked for Menno Travel Service which had their offices located with Mennonite Central Committee in Akron. Menno Travel did the travel arrangements for the many persons going into MCC service across the world. He enjoyed meeting the numerous people who came through Akron for orientation before going to their place of service. Many enjoyable times were spent with the VS group being able to go to various activities in Philadelphia and other larger eastern cities.

Although receiving several employment offers in other places, Dewayne and Betty decided to move back to the Newton area. He took a job as manager of the Guest House Cafeteria. Due to the split hours of work he was not able to see much of Sherri and Lori, his two daughters, who were born during that time. He then took a job at Excel Industries in Hesston in the inventory control department. He had always talked about starting his own business, so when he was laid off during a down time at Excel he did just that. The first number of years with his own accounting firm were difficult but the business grew. He had the firm for over 50 years. Recently, he turned the business over to his two daughters which had been his dream.

Over the years Dewayne was active in the Newton Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club as well as other Newton activities. He received numerous awards for his services, one of them being the Citizen of the Year. He served on the Bethel College Board of Directors and treasurer of Western District Conference.

After one of Dewayne’s serious illnesses he felt that God wanted him to do something to give back to Newton for opportunities that they had given him. At that time there were a number of empty buildings in Newton. Along with several partners he purchased a number of buildings. After fixing them up he proceeded to fill them with businesses that would benefit Newton. He enjoyed seeing Newton come back to life.

Bethel College has been important to Dewayne. At one time he along with several others started Bethel College Country Supper and Auction. This was held in January in Thresher Gym with a delicious meal and auction of antiques and hand crafted items. This continued for around 13 years with the money raised designated for various projects of the college.

The church was always an important aspect of Dewayne’s life. One of his most rewarding experiences was his 25 years as youth sponsor. He said the youth were an inspiration to him. He also served as Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, member of the Trustee Board and Board of Deacons. He was instrumental in many of the projects of the church. Dewayne found joy in planning church celebrations. He felt the church needed to gather together, get to know each other better, and celebrate what God has done. He initiated over 10 of these celebrations. 

Dewayne ‘s hospitality also extended to his home. On Memorial Day he often invited 30 or more friends to a brunch in his back yard. The birthdays and anniversaries of family and friends were acknowledged in special ways.

Dewayne did not back away from controversy. He was often challenged to try to understand others point of view. He learned to accept their way of thinking and appreciated their shared similarities and differences. This produced several life-long friends for him.

Dewayne’s children and grandchildren have been extremely important to him. He enjoyed the times when they would stop by for a swim or join him in doing projects in his work shop.. The yearly family vacations to various spots in the US were always a highlight. When the grandsons were five he started the activity of cutting down a Christmas tree. This tradition continued to this year when several of the grandchildren were able to cut a tree with him.

Dewayne is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Esther and brother-in-law, Edward Kaufman. Surviving are his wife, Elisabeth, daughters Sherrill Woods, and Lori (Donald) Kingsley, grandsons Hayden (Sarah) Woods, Jenson (Kendall) Kingsley, Riley (Rebekah) Kingsley, and Zachary Woods., great-grandson Milo Woods, sisters Lorene (Al) Isaacs and Marilyn (Pete) Flaming, and nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be given to First Mennonite Church and Bethel College in care of Peterson Funeral Home.