Paul Michael Holloway, born on March 27, 1948, in McPherson, Kansas, peacefully passed away late on October 7, 2024, at Moundridge Manor, at the age of 76. His life, marked by faith, family, and a journey of spiritual discovery, will be remembered by many. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockham Family Funeral Home in McPherson, Kansas, allowing the community to honor Paul’s memory.
Born to Sherman C and Verna (Deany) Holloway, Paul spent his early years on a farm near Inman, Kansas. His childhood was characterized by movement, transitioning from the farm to Inman town and later to Garden Grove, California, in 1959. He completed his primary education at Izaak Walton Junior High and graduated from Garden Grove High School in 1966. Furthering his education, he attended Fullerton Junior College, graduating in 1969, and earned his degree from Cal State University at Fullerton in September 1970. He obtained his teaching certificate a year later after post-graduate studies, and subsequently taught at Loara High School in Anaheim, California, for two years.
Economic challenges led Paul to a career change when he joined Minutemen Temporary Help Services. Starting as a temporary employee, he quickly rose to Office Manager in Santa Ana. This period held a profound experience that significantly impacted his spiritual perspective. Finding a body unexpectedly altered his views on mortality and spirituality, setting him on a path of deeper reflection.
In August 1974, an opportunity arose for Paul’s family to return to Kansas. He began working at the CertainTeed Pipe Plant in McPherson in September 1974, where he remained until February 2007. During his time at CertainTeed, Paul encountered individuals whose peaceful demeanor intrigued him. A breakroom conversation about faith and family sparked a deeper spiritual quest. Observing the strong faith of a Church of God in Christ, Mennonite member and subsequent discussions about salvation across different denominations prompted Paul to earnestly seek spiritual truth.
This search led him to the Zion Congregation in August 1980. Attending services, he experienced a growing conviction for his sins. During revivals the Friday after Thanksgiving, Paul experienced a spiritual rebirth, dedicating his life to the Lord. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, in January 1982, marking a significant milestone in his faith journey.
Later, Paul’s spiritual path led him to Lone Tree Church, where he found community and his life partner, Grace Koehn. They married on September 28, 1986, beginning a family life that brought him immense joy. In 1993, they returned to the Zion Congregation, prioritizing their children’s education at Zion’s closer school. Paul and Grace were blessed with four children in six years, embracing the joys and responsibilities of family life on the Holloway family homestead, a place filled with gardens, livestock, and pets he cherished. His love for music was evident in his whistling, singing, and enjoyment of his children’s songs. Despite a heart attack 13 years prior, Paul persevered, finding solace and wisdom in daily Bible reading and sharing his reflections with loved ones.
After his tenure at CertainTeed, Paul briefly worked as a CNA at Moundridge Manor and The Cedars in McPherson before finding a fulfilling role at Gospel Tract and Bible Society in Moundridge, Kansas. He retired from there, having enjoyed the camaraderie of his colleagues and the interactions with customers through various communication channels.
Paul’s legacy continues through his wife Grace, and their children: Caleb and Kristi, Daniel and Rebekah, Jemima, and Micah and Natalie. He is also survived by three granddaughters, five grandsons, three sisters: Linda Paul, Chris Pitts, and Janet Dickerson, a brother, John, and brother-in-law, Mike Boone.
He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Kathy Boone.
The community is invited to pay their respects during the visitation at Zion Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Inman, KS, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at Zion Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on Sunday, October 13, at 10:30 AM, followed by burial at Zion Church Cemetery.
Memorial donations in honor of Paul’s life can be directed to Moundridge Manor and sent in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, located at 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. Stockham Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
