Paul Elijah

Paul Elijah, 93, of Goshen died Tuesday afternoon, May 6, 2008, at Greencroft Healthcare following a short illness. He was born in Noble County, Indiana, on March 16, 1915, to William D. and Addie (Portner) Elijah.  He married Anna Ll. Pippenger on June 15, 1941, in Albion.  She died August 9, 2001. A Goshen resident since 1941, Mr. Elijah worked at Sash and Door for 18 years before moving on to Bowers Manufacturing.  He also worked in the local bowling community, first setting pins at Shamrock Lanes to “make ends meet” financially in the late 1940’s and early 50’s.   He worked in that capacity for about ten years.  From Shamrock Lanes on Madison Street, Elijah moved on to Playdium Lanes on North Main Street where he was the manager for two years.  When Maple City Bowl opened in 1962, he again found himself changing work addresses.  Mr. Elijah bought stock in Maple City Bowl when it first opened and served as the vice president. Mr. Elijah started bowling in the late 40’s and at one point bowled in three leagues a week for about 15 to 20 years.  He carried a 195 average.  At the age of 72 he was bowling in two leagues a week and carrying a 175 average.  He was among the first  inductees into the Goshen Bowling Hall of Fame in 1998. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and a dedicated family man, nurturing his family through all the years.  He is survived by two daughters, Judy (Thomas) Strycker and Pam Elijah, both of Goshen; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Pauline (Philmore) Price of Florida; and two brothers, Robert (Florence) Elijah of Novato, California, and Richard Elijah of Kendallville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna; a son, William Paul Elijah; a daughter-in-law, Fern (Hershberger) Elijah; and two brothers, Clyde Elijah and William Elijah, Jr. Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 8 and 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, May 9 and The Meetinghouse at Greencroft. A 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2008, funeral service will be conducted at The Meetinghouse at Greencroft.  Greencroft chaplains, Margaret Sawatsky and Dee Swartz will officiate. Burial will be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Greencroft Foundation.