Paul E. Furman, age 94, died in Mount Vernon on June 6, 2010.

He was a Whidbey Island native, born in Langley in 1916 to Frank and Carrie Furman.

Paul was raised in Langley. He completed the 10th grade and then left school to go to work.

With the start of World War II, Paul was drafted into the Army. He did basic training at Fort Lewis, and was transferred to Spokane, New Mexico, New Jersey and then on to England.

Paul was assigned to the 861st Air Engineer Squadron. He spent more than three years in England. When the war ended, he returned to New York aboard the Queen Mary. He served from

1941 to 1945 and left the service as a master sergeant with the Army Air Force.

Paul returned to Langley after the war. He was married to Alice Steele on Feb. 27, 1947 in Everett.

Paul began work as a contract logger for Waterman’s Mill, where he remained for 33 years. He formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, operating as Furman and Steele. He was a skilled mechanic, working on trucks and cars. He also worked for a time in Everett.

Paul loved old-time music, was a gifted harmonica player and also played the sax, trumpet and organ, and he loved to whistle. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

Paul was a longtime member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church of Langley and a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 7482 of Clinton.

Paul is survived by three children: James D. Furman and wife Pauline of Harrington; Paulette M. Stewart and husband Charles of Mount Vernon; and David P. Furman and Shelley Wallace of Wilbur. Seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren also survive.

His parents and one sister, Winona Shults, preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 16 at Burley Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bob Welch officiating. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.