Paul D. DeJohn

Paul D. DeJohn, age 83, a longtime resident of Plymouth, passed away on April 24, 2026. He was born on July 4, 1942, to Joseph and Julia (Tripp) DeJohn. Paul was raised in Northville and graduated from Northville High School with the Class of 1960. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served for two years as an aviation fuel technician. After returning home, Paul continued his education at Hillsdale College, where he met the love of his life, Lynn Risler. The two were united in marriage on November 28, 1963, and together built a wonderful life filled with love and devotion.

Paul and Lynn began their married life in Northville, living next to the family farm where Paul had been raised. Growing up, he helped care for the chickens, pigs, and other animals, learning the value of hard work and responsibility at an early age. As a teenager, he worked at his parents’ store, The Trading Post, located on Seven Mile Road. Paul took great pride in his hometown and began serving his community as a young man through his involvement in the preservation of Johnson Creek.

Paul gave back to his community in many meaningful ways. In the late 1960s, he served with the Northville Township Volunteer Police Department and the Gregory Volunteer Police Department. Volunteer service was especially important during that time in the wake of the 1967 Detroit Riot. During the years he lived in New Jersey, Paul also served his community as a volunteer firefighter.

Paul began his professional career in 1963 with General Motors in the Metallurgical Lab, and later accepted a position with Ford Motor Company as a Quality Control Engineer. In the early 1970s, he launched a successful career in sales with Garlock. Continuing to advance professionally, Paul went on to sell Teflon resins for automotive applications with Hoechst Celanese. He retired in 1992 after many years of dedicated work and accomplishment.

Paul found great joy in camping, especially in the beautiful surroundings of Ludington and Manistee, two of his favorite destinations. He was an avid reader who particularly enjoyed mystery novels and historical fiction. Paul also loved the outdoors and was happiest near the water, whether boating or fishing.

His passion for fishing only deepened with the years. While out on his boat, he enjoyed fishing for salmon and steelhead, and later discovered a love for fly fishing in the rivers. Among his favorite spots were the Manistee River and the Au Sable River. Paul was a dedicated member of the Michigan Fly Fishing Club, where he annually organized the WAWA Sum spring opener event. He was also a member of the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen's Association, the Plymouth-Ann Arbor Elks Lodge No. 325, and the Plymouth Lions Club.

Paul will be remembered as a generous, warm, and loyal man whose kindness and commitment to serving others touched many lives. He cherished the annual road trips to Florida, where he enjoyed visiting family and creating treasured memories. Nothing brought Paul greater joy than spending time with his grandchildren. He delighted in teaching them some of life’s important lessons, from fly fishing to enjoying the simple pleasures of a day at the park. To them, he was truly their superhero. Paul also had a special love for his dachshunds, treasuring each one throughout the years, and more recently found great unconditional love from his beloved granddogs.

Paul shared his gift of music as a member of Measure for Measure through Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. His voice brought joy to those around him and reflected the warmth he carried throughout his life. Paul was a loving, sensitive, and funny man who cherished laughter. Though his jokes may have been groan-worthy at times, his stories were unforgettable. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Lynn DeJohn; his children, Paul (Amanda) DeJohn, Debbie (Michael) Stevenson, and Jenny DeJohn; his sister Mary (Brian) Mahoney; his grandchildren, Kyle DeJohn, Elizabeth (Brandon) Waller, Matthew DeJohn, Alex Rasool, Nicholas DeJohn, Julia (Nick) Street, Jessica Stevenson, Michael Stevenson, and Nathan Hancock; his great grandchildren, Audrey DeJohn, Eliza Waller, and Addison Street with one more great granddaughter on the way. He was also loved and admired by many nieces and nephews that held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marjorie Lemon, and his brother David DeJohn.

A celebration of Paul D. DeJohn’s life will be held at a later date. Please check back for updated service information. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Plymouth-Ann Arbor Elks Lodge No. 325, 110 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth, MI 48170 or the Plymouth Lions Club, 9357 General Drive, Plymouth, MI 48170.