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1946-2025
COLUMBIANA -- Paul Elrod Kramer, 78, passed away Tuesday evening, Feb. 4, 2025, following a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Paul was born Oct. 22, 1946, in Youngstown, the son of the late Robert "Red" Kramer and H. Jeanne Elrod Kramer. Paul was raised in Youngstown and graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1964 and subsequently attended Youngstown State University.
Paul joined the United States Marine Corps in 1968 and served during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Corporal.
Paul worked for The Ohio Bell Telephone Company for 32 years as a lineman and splicer before retiring in 2004.
Paul's commitment to his community and fellow veterans was unwavering. He was currently serving as the Post Commander of VFW York Drexler Post 5532 in Washingtonville for 16 years. Additionally, he was a trustee at Joe Williams American Legion Post 131 and served as the Chaplain for their Bike Riders Group in Leetonia.
His dedication to youth sports in the area extended to the Mill Creek Jr. Baseball League, on Youngstown's West Side. He also coached Beeper Baseball for visually impaired children and volunteered at the Salem Super Kids Soap Box Derby.
Paul attended the annual Daytona Bike Week for 40 years and had a lifelong passion for motorcycles. He was an avid hot rod drag racer, and one of his proudest accomplishments was building his own T-Bucket-style hot rod racer. Paul was happiest when tinkering in his garage and was also an avid bowler and belonged to two bowling leagues for over 50 years.
Paul is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deborah Dubos Kramer, whom he married Sept. 18, 1976; his two sisters, Janet (Bill) Helsel of Austintown and Cynthia Kramer of Austintown; two nieces, Tricia (Dave) Peters and Donna Helsel-Scott (Cliff); a nephew, Aaron Kramer; three great-nieces, Faith Marscio, Haylie Peters and Julia Marscio; and a sister-in-law, Lisa Dubos of Texas. Paul's life was one of service, passion, and dedication to his family, friends, and community. His legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.
A celebration of Paul's life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Washingtonville VFW 5532 York-Drexler Post located at 575 S. County Roa, Washingtonville, OH 44490 where a memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. with Pastor Kerri officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.
Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to send condolences to Paul's family.
3/8/25