Walter E. Pauls, 99, of Nicholasville , Kentucky , passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospice Care Center .

He was born in Inman , Kansas on March 7, 1912, son of the late John and Anna Voth Pauls, who immigrated to Inman from Waldheim, South Russia .  He was the 12th of 13 children, all of whom have preceded him in death. 

Walter was a graduate of Inman High School , receiving his bachelor's degree from McPherson College in Kansas and earning a Master of Education degree from Emporia State Teachers College of Kansas. 

Following graduation, Walter was offered a position playing professional basketball, but chose instead to pursue a successful profession as an Industrial Arts teacher and as a coach.  His career spanned more than 40 years, winning him recognition as an outstanding teacher and as a coach who brought home state high school championships in both football and basketball.

Walter married Evelyn Schultz on June 5, 1938.  She preceded him in death on September 30, 1970.  Together they are survived by two daughters, Lois & (Jim) Ponczak of Phoenix, AZ and Judy & (Ken) Ticknor of Tokeka, KS, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

On July 28, 1973, Walter united in marriage with Ova Lou Webber and moved to Kentucky where he was further blessed with two step daughters, Mary Lou Campbell and June Leach, who is deceased, three step sons, Kenneth & (Lynnetta) Webber and Carl Darrell & (Pat) Webber and Delbert Webber, who are both deceased, thirteen step grandchildren and twenty two step great-grandchildren.  Ova Lou preceded Walter in death on April 28, 2007.

A funeral service will be held at 10 AM Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Eubank Cemetery .

Visitation will be after 6 PM Friday at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home.