Paul Joseph Wapelhorst, 87, passed away Sept. 29, 2025, at Azria Health Woodhaven, Great Bend, Kan. He was born on Sept. 11, 1938, in Colwich, Kan., to Raymond B. and Cecilia (Weber) Wapelhorst. On Dec. 9, 1967, he married Charlotte Harders in Great Bend.

A nearly lifetime resident of Great Bend, Paul was a salesman. He worked for Self Service Drug, Gibson-Titus-Stafford, and retired from Parts, Inc. He proudly served the country for six years in the Army National Guard. Paul was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish, attending mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and was a member of the American Legion Post #180.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years; daughter, Jennifer Cason and husband Ken of Maize; granddaughter, Lily Cason of Maize; brother, Dan Wapelhorst and wife Joyce of Great Bend; sisters, Rosemary Phillips of Sioux City, Iowa, Doris Karst and husband Allen of Great Bend, Clara Evans and husband Robert of Newton, and Teresa Connelly and husband James of Wichita; sister-in-law, Colette Wapelhorst of Shawnee; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Wapelhorst; brothers-in-law, Bruce Harders, Richard Harders; nephew, Frank Wapelhorst; and niece, Anita Phillips. 

Cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North with Fort Riley Honor Guard honors. Rosary will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society or American Heart Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 7, 2025