Overbrook – Paul Arthur Ansley, 83, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka. He was born on April 26, 1941, in rural Oakley, Kansas, the son of Thomas and Lois (Ihrig) Ansley. They later moved to Des Moines, Iowa, then back to Kansas.
Paul graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1959 as President of his senior class. He participated in 4-H, raised black angus cattle, sang the lead in the school operetta and played the piano.
Paul joined the U.S. Navy on June 5, 1959, and served in various stations including Vietnam. He served in the Navy until 1969 and received many service awards. He served in the Naval Reserve and worked as a mail carrier for the Postal service until his retirement. He was a member of the NALC and the early National Association of Underwater Instructors, He was a life member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a member of Grace Community Church in Overbrook.
On September 6, 1986, Paul was united in marriage to Debra Hawkins.
Paul was known for his sense of humor, and he was a real tease. No one could stay depressed around him for long.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lois; and by two brothers, Donald and Leland Ansley.
Paul is survived by his wife, Debra of 38 years; his son, Garald Ansley of Mayetta; his four daughters, Sheila Ansley (Dan) of Topeka, Debra Gibson (Jim) of Sterling, Jennifer Batson of Greensboro, North Carolina and Amanda Thompson (Charles) of Simpsonville, South Carolina; his sister, Dr. Marvel Williamson of Lawrence; ten grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
A graveside memorial service for Paul will be at 11:30am on Saturday, December 21, at the Carbondale Cemetery. Memorial contributions for Paul may be made to Harvesters, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451. Online condolences for the family may be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com. In memory of Paul’s life, please attend a church this Sunday.
