Reverend Paul F. Markell, 92, while in the care of the Buffalo Hospice Center, stepped into the presence of Jesus on April 15, 2020.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and faithful friend. Paul was born on October 15, 1927 in Olean, NY, the son of the late Rev. Francis and Beulah (Pickup) Markell, pastors at Hess Road Wesleyan church. Paul attended Ransomville Grade School and in 1945 he graduated from Wilson High School. During his college years, Paul completed a Student Pastorate at the Riceville Community Church in West Valley, NY. In 1949 he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion from Houghton College and was ordained by the Wesleyan Church. In 1950, he accepted the call to be the pastor of The Wesleyan Church of Orchard Park where he served as senior pastor for the next 46 years. Pastor Markell was awarded the Claude A. Ries Pastor of the Year Award from Houghton College in 1976.  He retired from the Orchard Park Wesleyan Church in 1996, and was given Pastor Emeritus status.

After retiring, Paul began a counseling ministry and wrote the book Bound to Fail to Reach the Top — The Light that Gives Hope that was published in January 2015. Additionally, Paul was elected Assistant District Superintendent for thirty-one consecutive years and was made Assistant District Superintendent Emeritus in July, 2004, a position he actively held until his passing, culminating 73 years of service to the Western New York District of the Wesleyan Church.

Paul Markell is remembered for being a kind and thoughtful trailblazer, with a huge heart for people. He enjoyed spending time with his family and remained steadfast in his love and ministry for the Lord. Paul was predeceased by his parents, his brother Franklin (Margaret) Markell and his wife of 57 years, Ruth Wilde who passed away in 2006. In addition to his wife, Caroline (Malke), he is survived by his daughters, Sharon (Larry) Fien and Elisabeth ‘Beth’ Markell; Sandra Browning and Carol Henderson; grandfather of Heather (Mark) Schepp., Stacy (Barclay) Davis, Tasha (Scott) Buser, Russ (Kelly) Bahorsky and Heather (Don) Drakulich; step-father to Susan (Ricky) Krupsky, Gail (Dennis) Downie, Janine (Mike) Coale, Bonnie (Steve) Johnson, Renee (Ron) Miller and Andrew (Rae) Biegalski; along with several grand and great-grandchildren.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions services will be held at a future date/place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Wesleyan Church of Orchard Park, Watermark Wesleyan Church, the Tabernacle of Orchard Park, or Hospice Buffalo.