Paul Richard Bevan, age 97, of New Philadelphia, died February 9, 2026, in Ohio’s Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia.

A son of the late William H. and Dorothy Hager Bevan, Paul was born on July 8, 1928, in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

He attended New Philadelphia Schools and entered into the service on his 18th birthday. Early in his career, Paul earned his GED so he was able to advance in rank. In total, Paul spent 30 years, 8 months and two days in Active Duty. He began with a three-year career with the United States Army and then went on to serve for 10 years with the United States Air Force before spending his final 18 years on Active-Duty Reserve Status with the 3rd Battalion 95th Training Division. He retired from that position as an E9 Command Sergeant Major.

Paul also worked 22 years with the United States Post Office as a Mail Carrier in Altus, Oklahoma. Following his retirement, he stayed in Altus and worked at Cliff Glover Electric and Martin Ace Hardware.

Paul is a Life Member of the Altus, Oklahoma VFW Post #4876 where he served in many capacities including the Post Commander from 1992-1993; and was also a member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge BPOE 510. Paul enjoyed wintering in various places including South Texas in his RV.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra; his son, Timothy (Cheryl) Bevan of Jacksonville, Florida; his step-children, Dorinda (Greg) Rennie of Melbourne, Florida and James Goss of New Philadelphia; his siblings, William “Bill” Bevan, Patricia (Dale) Powell, Ronald (Ginny) Bevan, and Jill Clark; grandchildren, Dustin (Sara) Rennie, Dalton (Tiffany) Rennie, and Gabrielle Rennie; great-grandchildren, Betty Wilkes and Giana and Madelyn Rennie, and Jackson Rennie; well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, June Marie Bevan, mother of his son; his second wife, Joy Beth Bevan; two brothers, Gerald and Robert Bevan; and his sister, Cherie Conidi.

Visitation was held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with Services led by Pastor Mike Gibson on Thursday at 11:00 AM. Cremation care followed and Paul's cremated remains will be inurned in Restlawn Cemetery in Altus at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 14th,  under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. Military honors will be rendered by the United Sates Army.

Memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be directed to Ohio’s Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia or Broadway Global Methodist Church, 120 Church Ave SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.