Paul E. Garvin II

Paul E. Garvin II, 73, walked in hand with Jesus into the golden gates of Heaven on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025 after a recent decline in health.

God broke the mold with Paul, who was so special from the very beginning that he had two birthdays — a mix-up at the hospital led to his birthdate being declared July 21, 1951, but those close to him knew it was actually July 20, 1951. He deserved both days of celebration.

He was born to the late Paul E. and Betty J. (Marsh) Garvin and naturally presumed the role of mischievous little brother to his older sister Sherry. According to Sherry, she and Paul spent most of their childhood outdoors together. From sunup to sundown, they ran around, rode bikes and played at the cider mill.

Paul graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1969 and had his loving daughter Jessica Harrison in 1971. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971 and served in Hawaii and Japan before settling in Havelock, North Carolina. Paul was honorably discharged in 1980 and was proud to have served his country.

While residing in North Carolina, Paul married Roberta “Birdie” Garvin in 1988. Besides their love for each other, Paul and Birdie shared a mutual love for Harley Davidson motorcycles. Their Harley wedding took place on their front lawn and was attended by dozens of riders who led the newlyweds through town in a bike parade to celebrate after the ceremony. Together, Paul and Birdie built their own bikes and took part in many fundraiser events for the community through their involvement in the Concerned Bikers Association/ABATE.

Paul also owned and operated a construction company, ASP Enterprises, while living in North Carolina. A traumatic brain injury while he was working led Paul to develop partial paralysis, but this didn’t hold him back. To those who loved him, Paul could best be described as “courageous.” He determinedly relearned everything over again — to walk, talk and eventually to live independently — all monumental feats.

Along with riding Harleys, Paul was known to enjoy sports, watching his favorite TV shows and taking computer classes. He was also a skilled artist and particularly loved scratch art. Another one of Paul’s favorite things was worshipping the Lord: He was a devout Christian and found comfort with God.

When Birdie retired, the couple moved to her hometown of Quincy, Illinois where they were active in the Madison Park Christian Church. After Birdie was diagnosed with cancer, they were involved in the church’s Cancer Support Group. When Birdie died in 2008, Paul returned to Bucyrus shortly after to be nearer to his daughter and grandchildren. He was a member of American Legion Post 181, the Moose, VFW and Amvets in town.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Jessica Harrison and her mother Linda (Kent) Rowles; grandchildren, Brittany (Jason Pierce) Harrison, Zachary (Susie Frizzell) Harrison and Corey Harrison; great grandchildren, Grayson, Emma, Jack, Hazel and Theodore; sister, Sherry Kocher (Bob Sweigard); his niece and nephew, Angie (Chris) Mutchler and Dustin (Angie) Smith; and his canine companion, Blue. He is also survived by two beloved friends whom he considered brothers, Fred Beaver and Brian Malia.

Paul’s family will gather privately to celebrate his life, and he will be laid to rest near Birdie in Sunset Cemetery in Quincy.

Memorial donations are encouraged to be made payable to Humane Society Serving Crawford County and given at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus.

Memories and photos can be shared in the guestbook on Paul’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.