Humble and meek, with a quiet and deeply reflective nature, Paul Michael Commerford will be remembered for the kindness and gentleness he showed to those around him. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make people laugh.
Paul, 75, died on Sept. 6, 2026, in Lexington, Kent., surrounded by the love of his children. He was born on June 12, 1951, in Garden City, Kan., to Henry and Patricia Commerford. The oldest of five children, Paul grew up in Kansas. Although life took him to many different places over the years, he always considered Kansas home.
Paul was a proud graduate of Kansas State University and cheered on the Wildcats to the end. He began his professional life working alongside his father at Duckwall’s Department Store and went on to spend many years carrying the work ethic he learned there into various areas of retail before transitioning into a career in insurance. Whatever his work, Paul took great pride in doing it well and always strove for excellence. One of his guiding expressions, both at work and in life, was, “Make every trip count.”
Of all the roles Paul held throughout his life, none meant more to him than being a father. His three children were his greatest pride, Kimberlee Westlake and her husband, David; Jilienne Perez and her husband, Edwin; and Benjamin Commerford and his wife, Jamie.
Although Paul didn’t get to travel often, when he did, it was usually to see his children. Because his daughters and sons-in-law served in the Navy, he had the opportunity to visit many new places, including destinations overseas. Upon retirement, Paul chose to relocate to Lexington, Kent., so he could be close to his family and involved in the lives of his youngest grandchildren.
Paul delighted in time spent with his family and took immense pride in every accomplishment of his children and grandchildren. He was the proud grandfather of Ian Westlake, Isabelle Westlake, Isaac Westlake, Edie Commerford, Eli Commerford, and Everett Commerford. His grandchildren will fondly remember how well he spoiled them, especially the way he made sure they always had the snacks their moms and dads wouldn’t buy.
Paul was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, and his faith was an important part of his life. He loved working in his yard and chatting with family. He also enjoyed watching sports of all kinds, but especially his K-State Wildcats.
Paul is survived by his children and grandchildren; his brothers, Bernard M. Commerford and his wife, Debra, of Norfolk, Neb., and Matthew J. Commerford and his wife, Lorraine, of Gilbert, Ariz.; and his sisters, Anne L. Reif and her husband, Raymond, and Suzanne E. Bussen, all of Great Bend, Kan. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Joe Bussen.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Visitation will be available from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, with family receiving guests at 6 p.m., and a vigil at 7 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 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, Sept. 22, 2026
