AKRON – Paul L. Rayl, 71, Akron, passed away at 2:10 a.m. CST Oct. 26, 2014, near Rensselaer due to injuries sustained from an automobile accident. He was born Nov. 21, 1942, in Tipton, the treasured son of Foy O. and Thelma Dickover Rayl. In 1964, he married Jolene Young Rayl. From their union came four wonderful sons who survive: Jeffrey Rayl, Greenfield; Patrick Rayl (and spouse Alicia) Hereford, Ariz.; Shawn Rayl, California; and P. Andrew Rayl (and spouse Melissa) Greenwood; and a beautiful daughter, Jeannet, who passed away during infancy. In 1974, after 10 years, their marriage dissolved. On Feb. 26, 1976, in Newport, he married Noreen “Pug” Alexander. She passed away Jan. 12, 2010. On Feb. 25, 2012, in Rochester, he married Elenita A. Rayl, who survives. He was the third-born of the Rayl children, sharing his childhood with two sisters, Evalyn and Janice. With great Blue Devil pride, he graduated from Tipton High School with his class in 1960. Following high school, patriotism beckoned and he answered the call serving his country with the U.S. Navy. Based out of Norfolk, Va., his tour of duty included an assignment as an electrician mate aboard the USS Carp, the last diesel powered class submarine in the Navy’s fleet. In the early years, he pursued his formal education at Indiana State University, working toward a degree in business administration. Just short of the completion of his bachelor's degree, the opportunity to train and become a member of the Indiana State Police evolved. It was his life’s dream to serve as one of Indiana's finest. Trooper Rayl officially began his tour of duty Sept. 1, 1968. He was appointed to serve the Peru Post: District 16 in 1978. Over the years he accomplished the distinction of the appointment of master trooper. He retired in 1993. Following his retirement, he served Akron as town marshal for a number of years. A man of perpetual motion, he enjoyed experiencing various opportunities as an entrepreneur. Sharing a lifelong passion for adventures with water, he embraced the SCUBA diving scene. For many years friends will remember his dive shop in Fulton, known as Neptune's Closet. He sold gear and formed classes to share his appetite for nature underwater. Not only was he a diver for the ISP team, he led dive expeditions for his students from Nyona Lake and France Park to the waters off of Florida’s Gulf coast. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing with his casting rod at various waters around north central Indiana. He also took great joy with the adventure of hunting large and small game around his farm. He was locked on to Fox News, especially Bill O’Reilly, and was a movie buff enjoying John Wayne and the old spaghetti westerns. Left to cherish his memory also are son, Bradley (and spouse Catrin) Dalton, Petaluma, Calif.; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Evalyn Earlyvine, Kentucky, and Janice McCord, Arcadia; several nieces and nephews; his cherished canine companion who was always at his side, Cutie the Shar-Pei. Also preceding him in death were his parents and a son Brian C. Dalton, who died March 17, 2012. A celebration of his life will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester with the Rev. John E. Hess, Indiana State Police chaplain, officiating. The Indiana State Police and U.S. Navy Honor Guards will accord services to honor his memory. Calling is from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to the Riley Children's Hospital Foundation, 30 S. Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204-3509. Condolences may be sent via www.goodfamilyfh.com
