Hon. Paul Clinton Moon

Beloved father and husband, Paul Clinton Moon, 88, passed away on May 26 with his family by his side. He was born on December 19, 1937 to William and Martina (nee Heineman) Moon, who preceded him in death.

Paul was born and raised in Port Clinton. He attended John Carroll University, class of 1959, and Georgetown University Law Center, class of 1962. After completing ROTC, he served in the US Army as Commanding Officer of the 28th Transportation Battalion in France and Germany. He then returned to Port Clinton and began his law career and civic service by joining his father in private practice. He served on Port Clinton City Council from 1966-1970 and as President of Council from 1971-1973. With a profound regard for education, Paul also served on the board of BGSU Firelands including two terms as President, and Mercy College of Toledo. In 1979, he was elected judge of the Ottawa County Municipal Court and retired in 2008 as judge of the Ottawa County Common Pleas Court. Of his career, Paul always noted that it was not a job, it was his life.

Paul had a love for classical music, attending concerts across the world and most importantly with his family at his cherished Cleveland Orchestra. He took all opportunities to share his knowledge and passion for music and was honored to have sung in the choir at St Mary's in Sandusky, Musical Union in Oberlin, and The Toledo Choral Society. After retirement, he dedicated his time to the board of the Musical Arts Series Port Clinton and the Ottawa County Historical Society. He took great pride in his family legacy and deep roots in Ottawa County, being the descendent of Benajah Wolcott, the first keeper of the Marblehead Lighthouse, William Kelly, builder of the Marblehead Lighthouse, and Malcolm Kelly, first Common Pleas judge of the county.

Paul's dedication to his career and community was only superseded by his dedication and love of his family. Paul met his true love, Maria, on a blind date in 1969, she speaking no English and he speaking no Polish, but their shared joy in travel, music, arts, and history bonded them forever. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 57 years, Maria (nee Chudy), daughters Laura Moon and Elisabeth (Paul) Christman, son Kamil (Maria) Drutel, grandson Charlie Drutel, siblings Bill Moon and Elizabeth (Frank) Maloney, and many family members throughout the United States, Poland, and Germany.

Paul was a brilliant legal scholar and historian. His mind was an encyclopedia of pertinent and random knowledge. We will miss being able to ask him, "Dad, what was ... ?" He loved to tell stories of his adventures, whether local or abroad, and sometimes on repeat. He never turned down a dinner invitation or the chance to boast about his family. But most importantly he was a fun and lovable daddy that left his family with infinite memories to treasure.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mike Mesner and John May for their lifetime of friendship to Paul, and constancy in the last few month.

Visitation Friday, June 5, 2026, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Gerner -Wolf Walker Funeral Home, 216 Washington Street, Port Clinton. Memorial service Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 am in Immaculate Conception Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton, where a time of music and reflection will begin at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent in Paul's honor to the Ottawa County Historical Society, the Musical Arts Series Port Clinton, or Port Clinton Friends of the Cemetery