Paul Wabaunsee 1943-2023

Paul Emory Wabaunsee, 79, Topeka, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Plaza West in Topeka.

He was born Sept. 10, 1943, in Lawrence, the son of Albert Wabaunsee and Katheryn Merry Kelly. He grew up in Washington State, living in Darrington and Port Angeles, and graduated from Port Angeles High School, later attending college.

Mr. Wabaunsee joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. He later worked as a  hook tender in the logging industry, traveling to Washington and Alaska and settling in Craig, Alaska. He returned to Kansas after retirement. 

He was a member of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. 

Survivors include two daughters, Merry Alix Kelly and Emma Kelly Irish; grandchildren, Ainsley Irish and Hart Irish; and a niece, Harriet Wadley, Craig, Alaska. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kay Kelly. 

Mr. Wabaunsee was cremated. Private family memorial services will be held in Alaska. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is assisting the family with arrangements.