Final Salute

Paul Arthur Bissey, 80, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life May 22, 2026, at Columbus Regional Hospital. He was born November 22, 1945, in Elnora, Indiana, and lived a life marked by steady devotion to his family, his country, his work, and his community.

Paul was the son of the late Roscoe Bissey and Allegra Woodfuff Bissey Moore. Paul grew up with the values of hard work, responsibility, and service that would guide him throughout his life.

Paul was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War as a member of the Navy Seabees. He honored his country with humility and pride, and his service remained an important part of his identity.

Following his military service, Paul pursued his education with determination. He was a graduate of Vincennes University and later earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Allied Institute of Technology in Chicago. His education prepared him for a long and successful career, and he applied his knowledge with skill and dedication throughout his professional life.

Paul worked as a manufacturing engineer at Cummins Inc., where he devoted 37 years of service before retiring in 2009. His long career was a reflection of his loyalty and his ability to contribute meaningfully to the success of the company and the people around him.

On Valentine’s Day in 1998, Paul married Patsy Jean Coots, and together they shared a loving marriage filled with companionship and support. He valued family deeply and treasured the relationships that enriched his life. Paul is survived by his wife of 28 years, Patsy; daughters, Stacey (Todd) Harry of Elizabethtown, Dana Bissey of Bloomington, Laura (Lee) Gudgel of Seymour, Jennifer Coy (Andrew Gudgel) of Seymour and Angela Reynold of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Alyssa (Chris) Sweet, Kieara Reynolds, Cassandra Reynolds, Megan Reynolds, Justin Gudgel, Kimberly Gudgel, Cooper Harry, Loreann (Dereck) Vickers, Connor Harry and Stephanie (Nick) Knight; great-grandchildren, Anastacia McDonald, Bailey Mays, Silas King, Soren Knight and Sawyer Vickers; brother, John (Sherry) Bissey of Texas; sister, Hope (Ted) Ault of Sanborn, Indiana; sister-in-law, Elaine Bissey of Texas; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; grandsons, Patrick Andrews and Simon Huber; brother, Earl Bissey; sister and brother-in-law, Colleen and Ed Robinson; and son-in-law, Robert Reynolds.

Paul was a member of First United Methodist Church, where his faith was an important part of his life. He also belonged to American Legion Post 24 and was a life member of VFW Post 1162 in Plymouth, Indiana. Paul always enjoyed a game of golf, gardening and fishing.

For 10 years, Paul served as a veteran’s court mentor, offering guidance, encouragement, and understanding to others who needed support. He also gave his time as an after-school math tutor for elementary school children at BCSC, where he helped young students build confidence and strengthen their skills.

Paul will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his honorable military service, his accomplished career, and his many contributions to his community.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; the Reverend Howard Boles will officiate. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday. Paul will be laid to rest at the Garland Brook Cemetery with full military honors presented by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to 22 a Day. 22aday.org (a foundation for veteran suicide prevention)

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Bissey family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Paul Arthur Bissey, please visit our floral store.