Paul Joseph Wickham, Sr.

Paul Wickham, Sr. passed away on July 17, 2022, surrounded by family at his home in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Paul Joseph Wickham, Sr was born on November 8, 1931, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to William and Stella (Honan) Wickham.  The family, including his younger brother Rev. William Wickham, Jr., lived in Winthrop through Paul’s early years.  

Paul moved from Boston to Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio, as his father served in World War II and then moved on to Cincinnati and finally Indianapolis after the war.   He was fond of talking about the four different high schools he attended as the family moved, spending his senior year and graduating from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis in 1949.

Paul moved on to Butler University before enlisting in the Air Force.  He served from 1951 to 1955 where he was trained in the new technology of data processing.  He was on a ship to Korea when the war ended and was stationed for a significant time in Japan.

After the Air Force, Paul moved back to Indianapolis, marrying Phyllis Jones in 1958 and raising six children – Karen, Kevin, Paul, Angela, Mary, and Gretchen.  Paul had a varied and successful career, working as a Data Processor for J and L Steel, a Data Process Supervisor at Tousley Bixler, Director of Catholic Cemeteries, Salesperson at Parisian Department Store, and Building Maintenance Person at Northview Church. 

Paul shared his love of sports with his family and the community.  He stayed fit by participating in a variety of competitive sports and working out daily and encouraged his family to do the same.  There are fond memories of swimming and playing at the Riviera Club in the Cracker Jack Box followed by a trip to the Snack Shack.   Paul supported athletics in his community in multiple roles, including his time as the Athletic Director at St. Thomas Aquinas where he started their football league.  Enjoying the outdoors was a passion, with a highlight being a family canoeing expedition in the Boundary Waters.  Camping allowed Paul to show off his organization skills with his customized camping van and his ability to set up and break camp efficiently – even with six kids helping. 

In 1983, Paul married Marjorie Edmonds of Indianapolis, and they were inseparable until Margie’s death in 2019.  In 2003, Paul and Margie moved into a three-generation family home in Woodruff Place where Paul embarked on a retirement career as a historic home renovator and live-in grandfather, living with Margie, her son and his wife, Kevin and Mari Garing, and grandchildren, Klara and Isaac Garing.

Paul had loving support from his surviving family including children Karen (and husband Lee) Daniels, Kevin Wickham, Angela Wickham (and husband Jack Doolittle), Mary (and husband Bruce) Ledford, Paul (and wife Pam) Wickham Jr., and Gretchen (and husband Troy Hawkins).  He enjoyed his grandchildren John, Ashley, Lindsay, Kyle, Michael, Drew, Kristi, Laura, Matt, Lauren, Ellie, Zach, Aaron, Gabe, Chloe, Jayce, Madison, and Ethan. and great grandchildren Charlotte, Ava, Lucy Brecken, Brynlee, Abby, Haley, Izabella, Macy, Cayden, Conrad, Maxx, Konner, Ryleigh, and Jase. 

The family gives a special thanks to Dominique, Autumn, Barry, and the rest of Elara Caring for their amazing care and support as Paul ended his time with us.

Arrangements are being handled by Lauck and Veldhof Funeral Home, with a memorial service at later date.  Memorial contributions in honor of Paul to Riley Children’s Foundation will be greatly appreciated.

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