Paul R. Frenthway

FRENTHWAY, Paul R.
Age 66
of Portage He was a big man a�" a presence to be admired and respected. Paul, a man of few words and many endearing qualities, passed away on Sunday morning, April 5, 2009. He was at home, with loved ones nearby, and he went peacefully heavenward. Paul was a loving husband, a doting father and a grand grandfather. Paul's grandchildren filled his life and he filled theirs. A 36-year deputy on the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department, Paul was No. 1 on the department's seniority list when he retired in 2002. He cared deeply for his co-workers and he loved his work. KCSD1 was the license plate on his pickup truck long after he retired, and he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Contrast was Paul's gift a�" he was known as "Moose" by his pals, and "Pa" by his grandkids. He was both burly and sensitive, a New York Yankees and Detroit Lions lover, and an All-City football player at Portage Township High School. He was an avid camper, hunter and fisherman who loved John Wayne, cop shows and road trips. Paul adored babies and pets, and they adored him; he was a great admirer of opera; he was an avid reader of National Geographic magazine; and he was a warm-hearted, quick-smiling, generous, "big marshmallow," according to those who knew him best. Paul was born September 20, 1942, in Kalamazoo, a son of Robert and Lois Gerstenkorn Frenthway. His parents preceded him in death. Paul married his life partner, Jill E. Bunce Frenthway, on September 26, 1969, who survives. Also surviving, a daughter, Kelle Jeff Barr of Portage; 3 grandchildren, Anthony and Brady Larkin, and Ashley Barr; his twin brother, Phil Frenthway of Delton; a sister, Carol Sturdevant of Waterford; his mother-in-law, Mable Root, of Kalamazoo; an aunt; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday from the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes and to the Borgess Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Program a�" a great comfort to Paul and his family during a time of need. For more information, visit www.langelands.com or call 343-1508.