Paul Emory Wabaunsee, 79, of Topeka, KS, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Plaza West in Topeka, KS. He was born September 10, 1943 in Lawrence, KS, the son of Albert Wabaunsee and Katheryn Merry Kelly.

Paul grew up in Washington State, living in Darrington and Port Angeles. After graduating Port Angeles High School in Port Angeles, WA, he joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he attended college, but the early influences of logging called him away from school and to a life of an adventure as a logger. Paul loved his profession as a Hook Tender and was proud of the work, traveling to remote logging camps in Washington and Alaska. Paul settled in Craig, Alaska, where he had many friends and enjoyed fishing and hunting. After retirement, he moved to Kansas, where he remained until his passing.

Paul was a member of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister, Kay Kelly.

Survivors include his two daughters, Merry Alix Kelly and Emma Kelly Irish; grandchildren, Ainsley Irish and Hart Irish and a niece, Harriet Wadley of Craig AK.

Paul was cremated and private family memorial service will be in Alaska. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is assisting the family with arrangements.