Paul E. Rempes

Paul E. Rempes, age 95, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, after a courageous battle with kidney disease. A man of immense intellect and a lifelong “kid at heart,” Paul leaves behind a legacy of innovation, service, and a profound love for his family.

Born in Wadsworth, Ohio, to Paul and Mildred Rempes, Paul was groomed for a lifetime of success. He balanced his service at the USAF Reserves where he retired as a Lt. Colonel, and a rigorous academic path at Ohio State University, where he earned a B.S. in Ceramic Engineering, an M.S., and a B.F.A., with leadership as fraternity president and a creative role as a cartoonist for the college paper. It was during these years that he met his beloved wife, Marilyn, after she was charmed by his piano playing at a fraternity gathering. They were married on June 12, 1954, beginning a beautiful 71-year journey together.

Paul is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Speir); his children, William, Richard (Jayne), and Lauri Timmons; grandchild, Michael (Brigitta); and great-grandchildren Sebastian and Sophia. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, having shared the wonders of the contiguous United States with his family through decades of exploration. 

Paul’s professional contributions were pioneering. During his 30-year tenure at Champion Spark Plug as a research engineer in Detroit, he was responsible for critical breakthroughs in heat-resistant materials and suppressor spark plug technology. He continued this trajectory at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing in St. Louis, for 19 years, where he led the development of non-ferrous heat-resistant materials for aircraft and pioneered early research in nanotechnology. His professional associations, including the American Ceramic Society and the Michigan Mineralogical Society, reflected a man deeply respected by his peers. Even after retiring at 79, his curiosity never waned.

However, those who knew Paul best will remember him for his vibrant hobbies. He was a familiar face in the Kite Flying Club and was often found navigating radio-controlled boats or meticulously tending to his model railroad. He was a lover of life’s thrills—riding roller coasters and exploring the country’s museums and wildflowers with his children. He found beauty in the simple and the complex alike—from collecting rare rocks and minerals to exploring lighthouses across the country.

Paul will be cremated at Baue Funeral home (Baue.com) and interment will be at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio where will be laid to rest with his fellow veterans.