Paul Wakeen

Paul J. Wakeen, 81, of Port Huron died Friday, October 6, 2006 after a short illness. He was born on February 9, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan to John and Selma Wakeen. The family moved to Port Huron in 1927. He married Margaret Rose Byrne in Corunna, Ontario on September 20, 1949. Paul graduated from Port Huron High School and attended the Port Huron Junior College before being drafted into the army. He served in Europe during World War II. He was a member of the VFW Post 796 in Port Huron. He was a former member of the Schubert Club. Paul was also a partner with his brother, James in the family business, Wakeen Shoes, until his retirement in 1985. In his youth he enjoyed playing sports especially baseball and basketball. He also liked singing in the Schubert Club and various vocal groups and church choirs. His beautiful tenor voice was enjoyed by many audiences. Paul is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret, and three daughters, Katherine (Mike) Lentz of Lynn Township, Karen Schaffer of Nashville, Tennessee, and Kristine Wakeen of Grosse Pointe. He is survived by two grandchildren, Sarah Lentz of Los Angeles and Laura (Brett) Sivec of Romeo and seven nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his father and mother, his sister, Lucille, and brothers, Norman and James. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 pm Sunday, October 8 at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, Port Huron. The funeral will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Port Huron on Monday, October 9 at 10 am with visiting beginning at 9:15 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Clair County Library Systems or the St. Clair County Council on Aging.