Paul Daniel Bigham, of Harrisburg, passed away at Homeland Center on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at the age of 96. He was predeceased by his wife, Ethel Brandt Bigham, in 2014, after being married for 73 years.
He was born on January 5, 1919, the eldest son of the late Elmer and Lottie (Carbaugh) Bigham of Iron Springs, PA. He was also predeceased by a sister, Hilda C. Myers and two brothers; Elmer L. Bigham and Howard J. Bigham.
Paul graduated from Fairfield High School and Messiah Junior College. While at Messiah College, he met his future wife, Ethel. Serving God was very important to Paul. He became a Christian at the age of 13 and joined the Brethren in Christ Church as a teenager. He was a long time member of the Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church where he served in many capacities including the church board, deacon, church treasurer, and Sunday school teacher, retiring from active church service in 1993. He enjoyed studying the Bible and doing crossword puzzles.
He retired from the Hershey Creamery Company in 1983 after 41 years of service.
Surviving are his children; Darrel E. Bigham and wife Polly of Evansville, IN., Larry D. Bigham and wife Sally of Carlisle, and Marilyn B. Miller and husband Randy of Harrisburg. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren: Matthew Bigham and wife Elizabeth (Russell, Samuel, Peter) of St. Louis MO, Elizabeth Hotson and husband David (Ethan, Jack) of Brooklyn NY, Lori Walters and husband Andy (Ryan, Colin) of Washington PA, Paul Bigham and wife Lori (Nicholas, Kaitlin, Travis) of Shippensburg, Andrea Miller of Harrisburg, Randy Miller III and wife Rachel (Anna) of Harrisburg, and Daniel Miller and wife Becky (Rosie, Deborah) of State College.
Services will be held at the Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 11:00 AM with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be conducted by his long time pastor, Rev. Woody Dalton. Burial will be in the Prospect Hill Cemetery following the funeral service.
Memorial donations may be sent to his church at 2217 Derry Street, Harrisburg PA 17104, or Homeland Hospice 2300 Vartan Way Suite 115, Harrisburg PA 17110.
Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.