OVERBROOK, Kan. – Paul Arthur Ansley, 83, passed away Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kan. He was born April 26, 1941, in rural Oakley, Kan., 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 piano.
Paul joined the US Navy, 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 National Association of Letter Carriers 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, Overbrook, Kan.
On Sept. 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 two brothers, Donald and Leland Ansley.
Paul is survived by his wife, Debra, of 38 years; son, Garald Ansley, Mayetta, Kan.; four daughters, Sheila Ansley (Dan), Topeka, Debra Gibson (Jim), Sterling, Kan., Jennifer Batson, Greensboro, N.C., and Amanda Thompson (Charles), Simpsonville, S.C.; sister, Dr. Marvel Williamson, Lawrence, Kan.; and 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
A graveside memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Carbondale Cemetery, Carbondale, Kan. Memorial contributions can be made to Harvesters, and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
In memory of Paul’s life, please attend a church this Sunday.
