Paul M. Longnecker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the age of 94.
Born in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, on November 1930, Paul was raised with the steady, hardworking values of the Great Plains. After his family moved to Kansas, he graduated from Plainville High School and soon enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he trained as a radio operator. His naval service took him across both the Mediterranean (USS Leyte) and later in the Pacific (USS Palau) in the Korean War, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed a deep appreciation for history and travel.
Following his service, Paul attended Fort Hays State University, where he reconnected with Jennie Mayhew, a high school friend who would become the love of his life. They were married for 72 devoted years. Their honeymoon took them west to California, where they raised a family and lived for nearly six decades.
Paul earned a degree in Business Administration from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. He enjoyed a long and respected career with Equifax, followed by a second chapter at Morgan Stanley, where he retired as First Vice President in Corte Madera, CA.
Paul was a man of strong character and easy charm. Always dapper in appearance, he carried himself with quiet confidence, Midwestern humility, and a ready smile. He was deeply involved in his church and civic communities, often taking on leadership roles. He sang in the church choir and performed with the Winifred Baker Chorale, the San Francisco Chorus, and the Marin County Barbershop Chorus. His love for music took him across the globe, including performances at Carnegie Hall, the 50th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, Mont-Saint-Michel, and other European venues.
He was a passionate traveler—equally at home touring national parks, strolling through European cities, or body surfing at the beach. A history enthusiast, a devoted family man, and a gifted storyteller, Paul had a special gift for making people laugh. He was a talented golfer, and earned the nickname “arrow” for his ability to hit the ball straight. He never turned down a plate of spaghetti with meatballs or Bolognese sauce, and he believed a day should end with a scoop of ice cream.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Jennie Longnecker (née Mayhew); his children, Jo Longnecker (Robert) and Steve Longnecker; his grandchildren, Ell Longnecker (Will) and Austin Longnecker (Michelle); and his great-grandchildren, Zack, Kate, and Wells. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Robert, Tess, Ivalee, and Gwen.
Paul lived with grace, purpose, and joy. He leaves behind a legacy of music, service, faith, and laughter—and a reminder that a good story, well told, can bring people together.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Southeastern Chapter.
