Kenneth Francis Paul

Ken “Bud” Paul

September 15, 1943-September 5, 2026

Ken “Bud” Paul passed peacefully at home in Auburn, WA just ten days shy of his 83rd birthday. His wife, LaVonne (Schweiger), with whom he just celebrated 60 years of marriage, was nearby. Ken was born and raised in Timber Lake, SD, where he is still known as “Buddy Paul.” Born to Joe and Jean (Sorenson) Paul, he had four sisters – Jeanine (French), Linda (Thomas), Sally (Davis), and Cathy (McGiffin) – as well as two half-siblings – LaVerne (Beers) and Duane. He was well known in Timber Lake and the surrounding communities. He loved South Dakota and especially Timber Lake but headed West to Seattle with LaVonne in 1966. He remained very proud of his hometown and visited nearly every year since moving away. In fact, he recently attended the annual Days of 1910 celebration, which included a 65th anniversary of his high school graduation.

After working for Boeing for about 4 years, Ken found himself in charge of a newspaper dealership for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. This opportunity eventually led him to become a manager in the circulation department of the P-I and the Seattle Times, where he was respected as a tough but fair boss. After retiring at the age of 60, in addition to deepening his devotion to LaVonne, their kids, and grandkids, Ken threw himself more fully into his numerous hobbies – collecting things that mattered to him, exercising and lifting weights, playing softball, following the rodeo, and serving others through their church.

Ken is survived by his wife LaVonne; their children Ken “Buddy” Jr. (Shellie), Marissa, and Briana (Jason); their grandchildren Jessica (Tyler), Colby (Madi), Kaylie (Max), Karlie, Adley, and Aidrey; and their great-grandchild Bailey, plus another on the way.

He will be celebrated with a rosary vigil on Wed, 9/23 at 6:00pm and a funeral mass on Thurs, 9/24 at 11:00am. Both events will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Covington, WA and will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/sjtbcovington. A private family burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.

All who knew and loved Ken will miss him tremendously. His kindness, generosity, and steadfast loving support left a mark on many.