Paul Connor DeHart, Jr

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Connor DeHart, Jr, who departed this life on January 7, 2026, at the age of 73, with his family surrounding him after a long and valiant battle with Dementia.  Paul was a cherished husband, father, brother and friend whose warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched all who knew them.

Born on April 30, 1952, in Ashland, Kentucky.  Paul grew up surrounded by family and friends who nurtured a life full of love, laughter, and learning. Paul graduated from Paul G. Blazer high School in 1970 and was an avid Tomcats fan.  He counted himself privileged to be a classmate of the best group of lifelong friends anyone could have.  

Paul went on to pursue a fulfilling 32-year career in the US Air Force and served honorably both active duty and reserves, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2006.  He also served his country for 33 years with the Department of Defense, Defense Information Systems Agency, retiring in 2013.  He was honored to work with men and women from Wright Patterson Air Force Base and DISA here in Columbus whom he considered friends.     

Paul was known for his dedication to his family, community and country.  He enjoyed golf and watching his UK Wildcats and Ashland Tomcats basketball.  

Paul has been a member of First Baptist Church of Westerville since he moved to Ohio in 1985.  He was ordained as a Deacon by the First Baptist Church of Westerville and remained a faithful servant of the Lord until he passed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Janice (Akers) DeHart; son, Connor (McKenzie) DeHart of Westerville, Ohio.  Paul would be the first to tell you that the greatest blessing and joy of his life was his son Connor who God blessed him with at the age of 47.  

Paul is also survived by his sister, Vicki Harper of Lexington, Kentucky and his aunt, Jeannie Harris of Flatwoods, Kentucky.  He was loved by his brothers and sisters-in-law as well as his many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends who will forever cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Connor DeHart, Sr. and his mother Bettie (Turner) DeHart as well as his sister, Denise Isaacs.  

A memorial service will be held at The First Baptist Church of Westerville, 104 S Spring Road Westerville, Ohio.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 13, at 9 AM with a service at 10 AM.  Burial will follow in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast 100 Veterans Memorial Drive Grayson, Kentucky at 2 PM.  Family and friends are invited to pay their respects, share memories, and honor a remarkable life well lived.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice in Paul’s honor.  

Paul will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.

Our loving thanks to each of the caring staff members of Capital City Hospice, who has been a support for the past year and allowed him to spend his last days with us.