Paul L. Erslan

Paul Louis Erslan, age 81, of Avon Lake, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024 at the Ganzhorn Suites Specialized Memory Care Center in Avon, Ohio. He was born November 17, 1942 in Akron, Ohio. He was a 1960 graduate of Akron East High School, going on to earn both his Bachelor and Master's Degrees from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky.  During his time at Union, he was a member of the Men’s Basketball and Tennis teams.  He began a career in education, serving in the roles of teacher and coach.  Paul also worked in industry for ten years as an office manager, draftsman and dispatcher at Dura-Crete, Inc in Dayton, OH.  He returned to education as a teacher, principal, and eventually superintendent of the Twin Valley Community Local School District in West Alexandria, Ohio.  Paul completed his career in education as Superintendent of the Preble County Educational Service Center.  

He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy (Beisecker), in Akron, Ohio on July 10, 1965.  They settled in West Alexandria, Ohio, where they lovingly raised their 3 children.  Paul gave so generously of his time to many organizations and was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church, Kiwanis Club of West Alexandria, Eaton Ohio Rotary Club, and the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area.  He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and found great joy in his retirement attending the activities of his 10 grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Erslan, brother Daniel Erslan, and nephew, Stephan Erslan.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years Nancy, children Bryan (Micki) Erslan of Berea, KY; Mark (Shelby) Erslan of Chillicothe, OH, Jennifer (Donavon) Clayborn of Avon,OH; Grandchildren, Kara (Joseph) Ivey, Kelsey (Evan) Lay, Peyton Erslan, Brett Erslan; Nicholas (Taylor) Erslan, Adrienne Erslan, Avery Erslan, Alexandra Erslan; Sara Clayborn and Jeremy Clayborn; Great Grandchildren Lainey Lay & Harper Ivey.  

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 11:00 am until time of funeral service at 1:00 pm at Salem Lutheran Church, 70 E. Dayton Street, West Alexandria, OH with Pastor Dan Mershon officiating.  Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in West Alexandria at a later date.  A Celebration of Life will also take place at a later time in Akron, Ohio.  Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, West Alexandria is assisting with arrangements.   

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to give to the organization of your choice: Twin Valley Community Local Schools, West Alexandria, OH; Salem Lutheran Church, West Alexandria, OH; Union College, Barbourville, KY; Cypress Hospice, Berea, OH and Ganzhorn Suites Specialized Memory Care Center, Avon, OH.  Online condolences and remembrances may be sent by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.