Paul W. Middents

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Keith Holman
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Paul W. Middents

Post by Keith Holman »

Paul W. Middents
March 23, 1939 to April 19, 2018

Captain Paul W. Middents, USN Ret., 79, of Silverdale, WA, passed away peacefully in his home on April 19, 2018 after an 8 1/2 year battle with cancer. Paul was born on March 23, 1939 in Madelia, MN to Rev. L.R. and Beula (Burdick) Middents. A graduate of Paullina High School in Paullina, IA, Paul went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1991, retiring as a Captain. He qualified on submarines on the U.S.S. George Washington completing 15 strategic deterrent patrols over his career culminating with command at sea on the U.S.S. Lafayette and US.S. Proteus. Another highlight of his Naval career included command of the Trident Training Facility in Bangor, WA from 1983-86. Captain Middents was awarded the Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars in lieu of a second and third award, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon among other military accolades. He married the love of his life, Ellen L. Thaden, on September 2, 1960, in Sigourney, IA. Paul was a graduate of the University of Dubuque, IA with a BS in physics and math, and went on to earn a Master's Degree in physics from Michigan State University. After retiring from the Navy, Paul worked as an Adjunct Professor at Olympic College teaching math, physics and astronomy. Paul was a past president of the Kitsap County Historical Society and a member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors receiving a Star Fellowship Award for participation and scholarship over 50 years of membership. He was also an elder at Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, Paul was an antiquarian book collector as well an avid researcher of historic street clocks. He wrote many articles and gave talks about turn-of-the-century Seattle jeweler and street clock maker Joseph Mayer. His many passions included his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, science, Belgian beer, and a good laugh with friends. His family and many friends and associates will dearly miss his hearty laugh, stories, and shrewd perspectives on life. He is preceded in death by his parents. Paul's memory will live on with, Ellen, his loving wife of 57 years; son Dirk (Kelli); daughter, Lisa (Greg); grandchildren, Laura and Leo, and his ginger tom cat, Sparky. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church in Bremerton. Inurnment services, with military honors, will be held on Monday, June 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, P.O. Box 96172, Washington, D.C. 20090-6172 or to Summit Ave Presbyterian Church at 403 S. Summit Ave, Bremerton, WA 98312. An online memorial can be viewed at: www.lewischapel.com.
Published in Kitsap Sun on Apr. 29, 2018
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kitsa ... =188871008
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