Visitation:
Thursday, July 9, 2026
4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Secor Funeral Home
Willard, Ohio
Service:
Friday, July 10, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Grace Methodist Church
Willard, Ohio
January 10, 1933 –July 6, 2026
Paul Wilford Capelle, Willard resident and beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on Monday morning July 6, 2026 at Admiral’s Pointe of Huron at the age of 93. He was born January 10, 1933 in Norwich Township to the late Clarence Capelle and Naomi (Nickler) Capelle and was the youngest of 4 siblings.
Paul was a 1951 graduate of Willard High School. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 22 years and retired as a Major. While in the Marines he served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, primarily working on aircraft carriers specializing in the electronic components of military jets and helicopters. Later as an electronics expert, he was assigned to The National Security Agency (NSA) as a member of the intelligence branch of the military. During his time in the Marines, he was stationed across the United States at bases such as the Air Station at Cherry Point, NC; Quantico Base in Virginia; El Toro near Garden Grove, CA; Kaneohe Base of Kailua, Hawaii; and in Okinawa, Japan.
After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1974, Paul relocated to his hometown of Willard, Ohio and began working as the City Manager. During his tenure, he was most proud of revitalizing the downtown area, expanding the number of businesses on Route 224 and helping the city become an attractive place for the Campbell’s Corporation to locate their Pepperidge Farm plant. He also was instrumental in encouraging local factories such as RR Donnelly, Pioneer Balloon, and MTD to expand their businesses in Willard.
Following his tenure as City Manager, he became the President of Plymouth Locomotive, co-owned and operated a car wash, and ran a landscaping business.
A lifelong member of Grace Methodist Church of Willard, he participated in the congregation as a lay leader, a choir member, and a Sunday School teacher. He also served as a guest pastor at churches across the Firelands area. His faith inspired him to help others through prison ministry, participating in the Emmaus Walk on a regular basis, and by delivering food to shut-ins in the area. Always inspired to get involved and be connected, Paul was a member of the Rotary International Club, the Kiwanis, and the Gideons.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Floyce, their sons Paul II and his wife, Sanae, of Kenmore, Washington; Peter and his wife, Heather of Mamaroneck, New York and three grandchildren: Maria Capelle of Tokyo, Japan, and Lucas and Spencer Capelle of Mamaroneck, New York. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Donald and Clifford Capelle; and his sister, Margretha McCarrick.
The viewing will be held at Secor’s Funeral Home in Willard on Thursday, July 9th from 4:00-7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at Grace Methodist Church on Friday, July 10th at 11:00 AM with Pastor Doug Winner officiating. Burial will follow at the Centerton Cemetery in Centerton, Ohio.
Memorial donations in Paul’s name may be made to Grace Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made to Paul’s family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.