of Chelsea, Michigan, died Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at age 70. He was born February 28, 1955 in Freeport, Texas, the son of Gray Merriam and Electra Jane (Easton) Gorton.
In 1963 at age eight, Paul moved with his family from Texas to Midland, MI, where he later raised his daughters in the same house where he grew up. Paul graduated from Midland High School in 1973, where he participated in wrestling and ran track. He joined the Navy in 1975, where he served on submarines as a sonar operator, and was discharged in 1978. Paul then attended Michigan State University where he studied Political Science, Sociology, and Economics. Somewhere between the Navy and college, Paul took some time off to follow the Grateful Dead on tour. In 1986, he was employed by the Michigan Department of Corrections, where he worked for 33 years. While working for Corrections, Paul met Yvonne Wickey, and they were married on January 19, 1991 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Paul rode a cobalt blue long edition FLH Harley-Davidson, and was a lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group. He participated in the Big Brothers program, volunteered for Special Olympics Michigan, and was an accomplished martial artist, achieving a black belt in Kuk Sool Won. Paul loved to travel with his family all over the U.S. and beyond. Paul was a kind and gentle soul with a great sense of humor. He could fix anything, gave great advice, and was absolutely devoted to his family.
Paul will be greatly missed by his wife, Yvonne. Other survivors include his two daughters, Libby (Chris) Trubac of Holt, and Allison Gorton (Charlie Miller) of Ypsilanti; a brother, Glenn (Kathy) Gorton of Dexter; one grandchild, Jack Trubac; five nieces; two nephews; three great-nieces, and several cousins in Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW or the American Legion. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
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