Paul D. Thiel, 80, of Elyria passed away Wednesday March 8, 2017 at Main Street Care Center in Avon Lake following a long illness. He was born October 21, 1936 in Elyria and was an Elyria resident for most of his life. Paul retired as a history teacher at Elyria High School and officiated Track and Field and also Cross Country Racing. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Lorain County Track Officials Association. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Judi; sisters, Jackie (Dick) Jacovetti and Pat Striker; nieces, Barb Krol, and Marcie McDavid; nephews, Joe Striker and Dana Jacovetti; numerous great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday March 12, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services at 4:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Specialists 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. John Jackson, Chaplain of Mercy New Life Hospice will Officiate. Private burial will be at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com