Paul A. Lautzenheiser, 86, of Bluffton, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2017, at ChristianCare Retirement Community in Bluffton.

He was born Jan. 9, 1931, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Roy E. and Emma J. Cook Lautzenheiser. He married Donna J. Sharp Jan. 14, 1956, in Angola; she preceded him in death in 1998.

A graduate of Montpelier High School, Paul served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948-52. He retired in 1991 from Franklin Electric in Bluffton and also worked for General Electric in Fort Wayne. He was the owner of Pit-Stop Race Ways.

Paul was a member of the VFW in Hartford City as well as American Legion Post 111 in Bluffton.

He enjoyed playing golf, traveling and collecting and racing slot cars. He enjoyed his family and friends. He enjoyed trivia night at the Legion, and his team was the Amigos.

He is survived by a close friend, Vicki Rogers of Bluffton; several nieces and nephews; two sisters, Ruby A. Killinen of Muncie, and Carol (Richard) Glusenkamp of Markle; and a brother, Earl L. (Su) Lautzenheiser of Anderson.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Mary Hillman, Edna Skiles, Margaret Dawson and Betty Linn; and four brothers, Victor, Dale, Lee and David.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, at Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton, with Dr. Bryson Gene Bell officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Six Mile Cemetery in Bluffton; military graveside rites will be conducted by the Air Force Honor Guard and American Legion Post 111.

Preferred memorials to American Legion Post 111.