Paul R. Hothem, age 89, of Mount Vernon passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Arbor Terrace in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
He was born on March 3, 1936, to Howard and Edith (Steiner) Hothem in Coshocton County near Newcomerstown, Ohio.
Paul graduated from West Lafayette High School in 1954. He was active in sports, music and FFA. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1957 from the College of Agriculture with a double major in Animal Science and Agronomy. He served as a student assistant in his dorm his junior and senior years. He was awarded the Le Droit d Gonneur Honor Society for outstanding leadership, character and service to the dormitory system. He was very active on the campus intramural system. He was first team all campus flag football end both his junior and senior years. He was also a standout intramural volleyball player. After graduation and before induction in the Army he was in the 4-H Program in Coshocton County.
His army basic training was at Fort Riley, Kansas where he served as Squad Leader and was selected as the outstanding recruit of Battery B for outstanding integrity, dependability and attention to duty. His last two years were spent at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington D.C. doing experimental research.
After the Army he was hired by The Ohio State University to be the Knox County 4-H Agent and shortly after he married his wife Dee. He spent his entire career in the county. Paul was best known for his innovative programs. He had the first 4 H trapping Club in the state, authored the Muskrat Trapping Project book and later the book on Arrow Heads. Any time he heard of a topic that youth would be interested in, he organized a 4-H Club.
While in Extension, he was elevated to Office Chairman for his last 15 years. He was active in many local, area, and state committees that lead to many local, state and national awards for distinguished service in 1974. Paul loved 4-H camp and was very active on the camp board.
He was very active in local youth sports serving as an officer for the Phillips Park and Babe Ruth baseball programs.
He assisted the Ohio Division of Wildlife by serving as the head instructor for Hunter Safety for 20 years and trapping Education for 32 years for the county.
After Retirement he turned down three office type jobs to return to his real love – farming. He worked on two well-known farms for 18 years. He remained very active in the Knox County Fair by serving on the Agriculture Museum Committee including 5 years as coordinator. He also served as the Jr. Fair Manager for 5 years shortly after retirement.
Paul loved the outdoors. He was an avid trapper for most of his adult life. He was also an arrowhead hunter and owned a large and excellent artifact collection. He served as a trustee on the Ohio Archaeological Society and was an organizer of the local Kokosing Chapter and President for four years and a lifelong trustee.
He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church all of his adult life. He was active in many church events and particularly enjoyed ushering.
Paul is survived by his sons, Donald (Stephanie) Hothem, Eric (Susan) Hothem; his grandchildren Kyle Hothem, Brooke Hothem, Matthew Hothem; his sister Janice Makito, sister-in-law Mary Margaret Hothem; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife Delores “Dee” Hothem; his son Todd Hothem; his brothers Keith and Wayne Hothem; and his sister Ruth Ann Tyson.
Friends may call on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Snyder Funeral Home – Flowers Chapel from 5-7pm. A service will be held on Friday, at the Faith Lutheran Church, beginning at 10am with Pastor Cody Blust officiating. Burial, with military honors provided by the Tuscarawas County Veterans Council, will take place at 2pm at the Salem Evans Lutheran Church Cemetery near Stone Creek, Ohio.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Paul Hothem 4-H fund, c/o OSU Extension-Knox County, P.O. Box 1268, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 or Faith Lutheran Church, 170 Mansfield Ave, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
The Snyder Funeral Home – Flowers Chapel is honored to serve the family of Paul R. Hothem.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home – Flowers Chapel
Website: snyderfuneralhomes.com