Robert Ray Paulus, 87, of Celina, Ohio passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Lima, Ohio.       He was born August 15, 1938, in Sidney, Ohio, son of the late Robert Joseph Paulus and Helen Mae Paulus.

Bob graduated from Memorial High School in St. Marys in 1956. On September 8, 1958, he married Jacqueline Fortman, who survives. Bob was employed at New Idea in Coldwater and at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in St. Marys. He and his wife owned and operated Paulus Motel Cottages for eighteen years. He spent 53 years, most of his working life, as the owner of Northmoor Golf Course. He and Jackie converted the golf course from nine to eighteen holes and operated a banquet and catering business that was very popular for local wedding receptions.

Bob was an excellent trap and skeet shooter, winning numerous local tournaments.  He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He often traveled to Wyoming, Michigan, and southern Ohio for hunting trips with John Bowers, Jack Quilling, Harold Epperly, Dave Berlett, and other friends.

He was an experienced mechanic, and enjoyed fixing golf carts, tractors, antique cars, and appliances. He enjoyed reading, preferring non-fiction and trivia books.  When he was at his winter home in Las Vegas, Bob enjoyed entertaining visitors from Ohio, or spending time in the behind-the-scenes casino security areas with his friend, Larry Huston.

In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by his children Lynne (Dennis) Ray and Robert Paulus; five grandchildren Drew (Marissa Sharp) Paulus, Trent (Sarah) Paulus, Will (Stefanie Lowry) Paulus, Deanna (Steve LaRoche) Ray, and Alex (Shelby) Ray. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn (Kenny) Leffel, his brother-in-law Mike (Gloria) Fortman, step-brothers Bill (Marlene) Paulus, and John (Michelle) Paulus and his three great-grandchildren Evelyn and Lorelei Paulus, and Corinne LaRoche, and his nieces and nephews.

His son Dean Paulus, his sister Grace Harsh Combs, and his in-laws Hilda and Leo Fortman, preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Betty (Gene) Welch, Shirley (John) Harrison, Dave Harsh, Paula Kay (Ed) Robinson, Ronnie Bailey, Jack Naylor, and Larry Combs.

Private funeral arrangements are planned for his family members, and a public memorial service is planned for August 15 at Northmoor Golf. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St. Marys Tailgate for Cancer or donations can be made for memorial trees at Northmoor Golf.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Bob's family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net or the Miller Funeral Homes Facebook Page.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Miller Bros. Funeral Directors.