Paul Alan Chanel was the son of D. Kenneth (1908-1989) and Ruth Agnes (Harton) (1914-2020) Chanel and a 1964 graduate of Okemos High School. Paul, the 2nd time around, married Kathryn Joyce Cusion in 2005. The couple lived in Michigan until recent years and then moved to The Villages, Sumter County, Florida. The following obituary was located in The State Journal, Lansing, Michigan newspaper, Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Paul Alan Chanel was born on March 3, 1946 and passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at the age of 79. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Kathy; his daughters, Pam (Darrell) Hoeve and Sheri Chanel; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his step-sons, Jeff (Brandy) Freund and Jamie (Brittany) Freund, and their children; as well as many dear 
friends. Paul dedicated 35 years of his career to General Motors. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to his colleagues. Outside of work, Paul was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He was a passionate sports fan, especially when it came to cheering on the MSU Spartans. Golfing was another favorite pastime, and he treasured time with his grandchildren, whom he adored. Paul was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his gift for storytelling. He often entertained family and friends with tales of youthful adventures and mischievous escapades with his lifelong friends. A Celebration of Life will be held for immediate family and close friends to honor Paul’s memory and the joy he brought to those around him. He will be remembered for his warmth, laughter, and the love he shared with all who knew him.
(Posted online on June 20, 2025; Published in Lansing State Journal)
A thank you goes to an anonymous OHS alumni for notification of Paul's passing.
Bob Bratzler (1964)
Rest in peace, Paul.
Stephen W. (Steve) Mitchell (1963)
I grew up with Paul as teens in our neighborhood in Okemos, Michigan as Paul lived on Shawnee Trail, 1 street over from my parents house on Kewanee Way. He often hopped over the back fence to play basketball with us other kids including Denny Burgess, another neighborhood friend. We became close friends as my parents would invite him in to chat as he loved to talk sports, hunting and MSU football with my Dad. I believe he may have joined us on a pheasant or grouse hunting trip. Paul became part of our family and a close friend in our teenage years; we keep in touch some as he moved to Dewitt & Bath areas. We reminanced in year 2000 at my mother's 90th birthday party...my parents loved Paul and it was likewise. He had a witty sense of humor that was subtle so you had to catch it quickly! Our hearts go out to Kathy and family...Paul was our friend and will be missed by many. RIP Paul!
Stephen and Susan Mitchell