Paul Charles Akeo's Obituary
Paul Charles Akeo was born in Kaimuki, Hawaii, on September 5, 1940, to Philip and Josephine Akeo. He was the fourth of five children: Philip "Junior", Lester "Sam", Jacqueline "Jackie", and Wallace Jennings "Wally". He graduated from the Kamehameha Schools for Boys in 1958, where he lettered in riflery and football.
Paul's life was one of service. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and later as a law enforcement officer. His commitment to duty and protecting others left a lasting impact on those around him.
Paul was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. He took pride in reading for masses, reading his Bible to learn more about the passage, and ensuring that the reading delivery encouraged thought and understanding.
Paul was a devoted fan of University of Hawaii Rainbow sports. He and Barbara were season ticket holders for Rainbow Warrior football for almost twenty years and often attended UH men's and women's volleyball, basketball, and baseball games. Paul cheered passionately for the Bows (especially the first time that UH beat BYU!). He enjoyed making many UH football players feel at home in Hawaii by welcoming them into the Akeo family.
Paul was an experienced woodworker. He lovingly crafted many picture frames, trivets, and other crafts as gifts for others. He took a special interest in crafting urns for family and friends in need.
Paul was a frequent customer at Kalapawai Market in Kailua. He'd drive down early in the morning to help the staff put out benches and regularly took puakenikeni from his home tree to place on the counter for patrons to smell. He was a stranger to no one–everyone knew Paul at Kalapawai.
Paul loved bicycling and swimming. He would cycle down to Kailua beach, where he would swim, walk the beach, talk to tourists, or just sit and eat a sandwich. He would help out in community service efforts and embodied the aloha spirit.
Paul loved cooking and baking for his family. Whether it was a lemon meringue pie, scones, meatloaf, or a tuna sandwich, tummies were always satisfied when Papa was in the kitchen. He had the special privilege of introducing his grandchildren and great-grandchild to Oreo cookies--yum! In exchange, the grandchildren introduced their Papa to the world of texting and emojis. Text threads were never the same after Papa learned how to insert emojis–he inserted emojis on everything.
Most of all, Paul loved living life with his sweetheart, Barbara. They loved attending UH games, ballroom dancing, domestic and international travel, and helping others. Paul loved his family and was a devout husband, father, and papa.
Paul was a cherished resident of The Plaza in Kaneohe since 2019, where he was quickly nicknamed "the mayor" because he knew so many people and always made people feel welcome. Paul passed away in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 83.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Barbara, Paul's legacy lives on through his surviving children: Paul "Chuck" Jr. (Pamela), Dale (Lynn), and Rhonda "Miki" (Tim), seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Paul's celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church (920 Keolu Drive, Kailua). Visitation 12 - 2 PM, Mass 2:30 PM.
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