Paul M. Lavin

Paul M. Lavin, Colonel USAFR (Ret.), 69, of Dayton, Ohio passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2014 after a two-year progression of ALS / Lou Gehrig's disease. Paul's warm smile and compassionate generous nature made everyone feel special. He embodied gratitude for life's goodness, cherishing, above all, those he loved. Paul believed that the measurement of life was not about how much money you make, but those you mentor and help through life. He was strong in his faith and always looked at the bright side of life. For these and all his gifts we are blessed to have had him in our lives. Paul loved sailing, eating lobster and clam chowder and being on the water. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on April 14, 1944 to the late James J. and Rita I. (Murray) Lavin. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty years Beverly (Frederick) and Tucker, their faithful cocker spaniel. Paul is also survived by his children: Jennifer (Paul) Heath, and Scott (Christine) Frederick of Seattle, Washington and Brigit Lavin and Mara (Todd) Nerlinger of Dayton, Ohio, Grandchildren: Sasha, Ava, Rachel, and Grace of Seattle, Colton and Matthew of Dayton; a brother Colonel Kevin (Carol) Lavin of Charlottesville, Virginia and nephews, nieces and a multitude of friends. Paul graduated from Central Catholic High in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1961 and St. Anselm's College in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1965. He accomplished graduate work in Economics at the University of Illinois and Wright State University. He was commissioned as an Air Force Officer through Officer Training School in 1967 and completed pilot training in 1968 at Vance AFB, Enid, Oklahoma. His first assignment was flying C-7A aircraft in Vietnam. He transferred to Dayton in 1969 where he was assigned as a pilot / B-52H aircraft commander in the 17th Bomb Wing on Wright-Patterson AFB. That tour of duty included 108 ARC Light bombing missions over Vietnam and many other operations. In September 1973, Paul transferred to the 907th Tactical Airlift Group of the Air Force Reserves at Rickenbacker ANGB, Columbus, Ohio. During the next 23 years he flew C-123 and C-130 cargo aircraft, in the United States, Europe and Central America. He was activated and deployed during the First Gulf War (Desert Shield/Storm) in 1991, where he served as the Director of Operations for a C-130 wing in Oman and Saudi Arabia. Upon his return he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. Paul then held various command and senior staff positions at Rickenbacker ANGB and Wright-Patterson AFB, retiring in April 1997. His military honors and decorations included: Command Pilot, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, 9 Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medals, and Southwest Asia Service Medals. In 1974 he began his licensed real estate career, specializing in commercial sales, leasing and consulting. He was employed by Oberer Development Company and Gem Savings before becoming a partner with Midwest Brokers and later Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors. During his career he brokered many small and large commercial contracts in the Miami Valley. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 2, 2014 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E Stroop Rd., Kettering. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, February 3, 2014 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association fighting Lou Gehrig's disease (www.alsa.org). Send condolences to the family by signing the guestbook at www.routsong.com. The family would like to thank the VA, Southview Hospital, Graceworks at Home, OSU, Cleveland Clinic, and Case Western as well as numerous friends and neighbors for their wonderful help and care.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429