Paul D. Payant, 84, of Menominee, Mich., died on Monday, August 4, 2014 in West Bend, Wis. Paul was born December 22, 1929, in Iron Mountain, Mich., the youngest of eight children of Andrew and Leah (Ferdon) Payant.
Paul graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Marinette, served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict, and later graduated from St. Norbert's College, De Pere, where he earned his degree in Business. On September 11, 1954, Paul married Janet "Mickey" Ahearn and the couple resided in Wisconsin and Arizona. In the early 1960's, Paul, accompanied by two other partners, formed Prestige Builders, Inc., which for years earned the title of the largest custom homebuilder in the Tri-state area. Paul and Mickey later moved to Arizona, where he was employed in the sales of manufactured homes. Upon his retirement in sales, Paul and Mickey returned to Menominee, Mich., where they both enjoyed the four seasons and their mutual retirements. Paul was an avid golfer, enjoyed boating, motorcycle riding, and just spending time at his many summer "get-away" cottages in Wisconsin and Arizona.
Paul was predeceased by his wife of more than 56 years, Mickey. Survivors include their five children: Paula of Peshtigo, Stephen of Green Bay, Patricia (Terry) Roberts of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Amy (Michael) Reuteman of West Bend and Ted (Mary) of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one brother, Don (Marian) Payant of Alabama; cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.
A burial ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 11:00 am in Riverside Cemetery in Menominee, Mich. to celebrate Paul's life. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated and may be sent to either the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.