Paul O. Schlabach, 72, of Bedford, Pennsylvania, was born on April 21,1953 in Millersburg, Ohio. He passed peacefully in his sleep on Friday, January 2, 2026, while sitting in his favorite chair, his fight with cancer over at last. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Ada (Miller) Schlabach, two siblings, Owen, Jr. and Ruth, and a beloved son, Kenny. His surviving siblings are Freeman Schlabach (Guthrie, Kentucky) Leroy Schlabach, (Guthrie, Kentucky) and Esta (Schlabach) Brenneman (Hickory, Kentucky).

Paul married the love of his life, Linda (Miller) Schlabach on March 20, 1975, in Guthrie, Kentucky. They were delighted to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary last year. Paul and Linda were blessed with four children: Nathan (Rebecca) Schlabach, Spruce Pine, NC; Dorcas (Gabriel) Peight, Conneaut Lake, PA; Kenneth (CarmaLinda) Schlabach, Spruce Pine, NC; and Rachel (Leon) Steiner, Wooster, Ohio.

Paul and Linda have 20 grandchildren and a host of friends and family who will carry on his legacy. He loved his work at Keystone Vinyl, the business he started in 2001. Paul loved the Lord above all. Every prayer he prayed ended with "Thy will be done." He was known for his zest for life, his brainy inventions, and his genuine love for people. Paul told great stories, and if he could, he would delight in sharing with us the glory he is experiencing. During his fight with cancer, he reminded us often to stay focused, to love Jesus, and to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing. He stayed cheerful and uncomplaining throughout the trials of his last sickness, and we rejoice that he got his new body even while we mourn the terrific loss of his person here on Earth.

On the night he died Paul quoted "What a day that will be!" and gave a weak thumbs up even though he could not join in the singing. His testimony always ended with "to God be the glory."

A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 5-7 PM for local friends and on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 1-3 and 5-7 PM at Christian Light Fellowship Church, 128 Christian Light Road, Bedford, Pa. 15522.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10 AM at Christian Light Fellowship Church.

Interment will be at Christian Light Cemetery, Bedford, PA.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Geisel-Styer Funeral Home, Bedford, Pennsylvania.