Paul (Paula) Decelles

Paul (Paula) Gregory Decelles, 74, of Topeka, Kansas passed away on Friday, November 28th, 2025 surrounded by love.

He was born on September 20th, 1951 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the child of Simone and Eva Decelles (Dupre).

Paul attended Pittsfield high school and graduated in 1969. Paul was a person filled with remarkable intellect and dedication. After graduating high school, Paul continued his academic journey and attended Cornell, Georgia, and Kansas university college where he received his doctorate degree in entomology genetics. After receiving his doctorate, his passion of education led him to Johnson County Community College where he was a biology teacher for 25 years. In 2000 he met Ann (Kay) Ely. They were married September 5th, 2005 in Topeka, Kansas.

Together, Ann and Paul loved Disney...most people go to see the mouse but Paul went to see the bugs and orchids! They also loved to travel to Branson to go hiking and take beautiful nature photographs along the way, a "short hike" for Paul was 5 miles. In fact, he displayed his photography on Flicker which was a web site for others to showcase their photography shots, and several times his work won picture of the day

Paul was an active member of St. John evangelical church and sang in the choir. Prior to singing with them, he was a member at St. Lawrence where he was in the choir that the opportunity to sing for the Pope in Denver, and then traveled to the Vatican, singing once again before the Pope before touring.

Survivors include his loving wife, Ann (Kay) Decelles, son, and Norman (Whitney) Decelles, daughter, Melissa (Dan) Bayouth, step-son, John (Cassie) House, step-daughters, Kimberly House and Colette (Brad) House, sister, Sylvia Cohen, and grandchildren, Julia, Violet, Konstantin, Shaley, Haven, John II, Brenden, Alysen, Alex and Remington.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Simone and Ava, brother, Henry Decelles, and step-son, Brad House (Colette).

A visitation will take place on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 from 10:00-11:00AM at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604, with funeral services beginning at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at 1:00PM at Olathe Memorial Cemetery, 730 N Chestnut St, Olathe, KS 66061.

The funeral service will be live streamed and will begin 10 minutes prior to service time. To view the livestream, please click the link here: Paul (Paula) Decelles Funeral Service Livestream

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Johnson County Community College Science Department.

Paul leaves behind a legacy of dedication, respect, and kindness, forever etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.

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