Paul Houser Neff of Palm Coast, Florida, formerly of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, went to meet his Lord on October 31, 2023. He was born in Potter Township, Pennsylvania on March 31, 1937 to the late John Houser and Elizabeth (née Bitner) Neff. He married Sarah Richner on Dec. 18, 1960.
Paul graduated from Centre Hall Potter High School, and had his mother as his teacher in grade school. He was in the National Guard in high school and later served in the United States Air Force as third class Airman, teaching electronics.
In his youth, he worked on several farms, and at the cannery in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. He later worked at The Pennsylvania State University for Applied Research Laboratories developing military guidance systems, then Intermedics/Cardiac Control Systems in Florida developing heart pacemakers, where he obtained patents for pacemaker telemetry and leads. He had a penchant for electronics and audio/visual equipment, including television repairs and the installation and maintenance of the public announcement systems at the football stadium for The Pennsylvania State University, various churches he attended, and his residences. Before retirement, he and Sarah owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, where they enjoyed sharing their home and hospitality with others.
He was a man of great faith, a lay leader, member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania and most recently the First Baptist Church of Bunnell, Florida. He loved singing hymns and volunteered for 12+ church mission trips throughout the US over the years.
He is remembered for his infectious and unique belly laugh, toothpick and chewing gum habit, frugal ways, collection of bells and clocks, love of farming/gardening, passion for Fox News and current events, insatiable appetite for onions, deviled eggs, soft serve ice cream, oysters, and lobster, creating and giving away Christmas stars that light up many homes and churches, design and creation of innumerable boxes of all sizes and shapes, and love of his family and adoring dog Moo Moo.
Paul was predeceased by his parents and was the last survivor of his siblings: Russell, Philip, and H. Dean Neff, Helen Heckert (Kate), Minerva (Nerm) Tate, Janet (Jen) Irwin, Kathleen (Ceil) Klostermeyer.
He is survived by his loving wife Sarah Neff and three children: Corine Neff (Chris Petriccione) from Connecticut, Zena Neff (Thomas Powell) from Florida, and John Neff (Laureen) and their three sons Christian John (CJ), Matthew Paul, and Brenden Daniel from Florida. He is also survived by brother-in-law Richard Klostermeyer of Nebraska, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to First Baptist Church of Bunnell, Florida (https://www.fbcbunnell.org/), Faith United Methodist Church of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania (https://bellefontefaith.com/), or Deland New Hope Animal Shelter (https://www.newhopeanimalshelter.com/).
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services of Bunnell, Florida is assisting the family with arrangements. A guest book can be signed, or condolences sent to the family at https://www.heritageflagler.com/obituaries/.