Paul Otto Filter, longtime resident of Dillsboro, IN, died on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. Paul, born on June 26, 1940, the oldest of four children to Otto and Helen (Henschen) Filter in Cincinnati, OH. He married Karen Raye Boyles, his wife of 59 years, on June 20, 1964, and she survives. Other survivors include one son Greg (Abby) Filter, Indianapolis, and two daughters: Laura (Rob) Schuette, Lawrenceburg, and Leslie (David) Sutherlin, Milan. Paul is also survived by five grandchildren: Meghan Schuette, Elizabeth Sutherlin, Samuel Sutherlin, Parker Sutherlin, and Macie Schuette. Sister Lois (Steve) Oyler of Cincinnati also survives. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Fay (Milton) Blersch, and brother Tim (Nancy) Filter.
Mr. Filter graduated from Western Hills High School in 1958 and afterward attended the University of Cincinnati’s College of Mortuary Science, where he later sat on the Board of Directors. After gaining experience at various funeral homes in Cincinnati and Dayton, Paul and Karen purchased the Ulrich Funeral Home in 1971 in Dillsboro, IN, in 1971, where they raised their family and made their home for the next 52 years. They also owned the Filter Funeral Home in Aurora for many years.
In addition to being a hard-working businessman, he carved out time to serve the community. Paul became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served as a Council member and on various committees over the years. He was a 50-year member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, serving with the Dillsboro Volunteer Fire Department, where he filled the role of Treasurer. Paul and Karen’s home was also the dispatch center for the community before 911 was implemented. Paul was a certified EMT and was a founding member of the Dillsboro Life Squad; he delivered two babies during his tenure with the squad. Paul was a founding member of the Dillsboro Beautification Committee, served as the Sexton of the Oakdale Cemetery Association, and served as a member and officer of the Dillsboro Civic Club for many years where a favorite responsibility was organizing the annual blood drive.
Paul’s involvement reached beyond the community of Dillsboro. He was a Director of the Friendship State Bank for 25 years, participated on the Citizen’s Advisory Board for the Dearborn County Solid Waste Management District, and was a member of both the Aurora Rotary Club and the Aurora Lions Club. After retirement, Paul volunteered for the Dearborn County Hospital Auxiliary. In 2017, he was awarded the Golden Hoosier, the highest honor bestowed on a Senior Citizen in Indiana.
Despite having a busy work and volunteer schedule, Paul found time to enjoy his grandchildren, of whom he was proud. He had many dogs throughout his life, but his Alaskan Malamutes were his favorites and many still remember him walking them throughout town or at the park. Paul also enjoyed his many friends, with whom he took daily walks, rode bikes at various trails, and played competitive euchre and board games.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, Dillsboro, IN, with Rev. Richard K. Kolaskey officiating. Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery in Dillsboro. Visitation will be Friday, July 28, 2023, from 4 pm to 8 pm at Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home in Dillsboro, and 10 am until the time of services at the church on Saturday. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church General fund or the Dillsboro Volunteer Fire Department.
Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements: 12887 Lenover St., PO Box 146, Dillsboro, IN 47018, (812) 432-5480. Please visit our website at www.filterdevriesmoore.com to share your condolences and memories of Paul.