Beloved dad, “Papa” and uncle Paul Wacknov passed away peacefully at home in Leawood, Kansas, on Nov. 13 after a marvelously long life filled with love.
Paul was born on Nov. 16, 1923, in Denver, Colorado. His parents, Alex and Sadie Wacknov, moved to Kansas City when Paul was two years old. Paul graduated from Central High School in 1940. He attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, after enlisting in the Army Air Corps, soon to be known as the U.S. Air Force. He was discharged as a sergeant after three and a half years of service, of which one and a half were in the Pacific theatre of operations during World War II. He was a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Upon discharge, he joined American Wiper and Waste Mills, established by his father and soon to become American Textile Mills when the product line was changed and extended into disposable products. Paul was a pioneer and a leader in the non-woven fabric industry. He started the Nu-Towel Co., soon to become one of the leading distributors of disposable non-woven industrial wipes and car wash towels in the US.
Paul was active in, and a contributor, to numerous charitable organizations for many years, including Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross. He was a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; Congregation Beth Torah; and Kehilath Israel Synagogue. He was also a former member of Meadowbrook and Oakwood Country Clubs.
Paul is survived by his children Lisa Bellis (Peter) of Cave Creek, Arizona, and Susan Jones of Scottsdale, Arizona; stepdaughter, Jackie Berry (David), of Lenexa, Kansas; stepson, Ben Warner (Rachel), of Leawood; daughter-in-law, Larue Wacknov, of Lenexa; sister Donna Zavelo of Leawood; brother David Wacknov (Chris) of Phoenix, Arizona; sister-in-law, Myrna Wacknov, of Foster City, California; as well as 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn (Warner) Wacknov; his wife Bonnie (Adkinson) Wacknov; sons, Craig Wacknov and Dennis Wacknov; parents, Alex and Sadie Wacknov; brothers Jerry Wacknov and Leonard Wacknov; sister Betty Price; brother-in-law Sam Zavelo; and companion Marilyn Hoffman.
Paul leaves with appreciation of his many happy memories with family and friends. He will also miss many canine friends. In his walks after retirement, he knew the names of over 40 neighborhood dogs, to whom he gave biscuits to daily. He especially enjoyed the wagging tails and barks of welcome when they caught sight of him approaching.
Services were held at Louis Memorial Chapel on Nov. 16, followed by burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kehilath Israel Synagogue Sadie and Alex Wacknov Fund, The J or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.