Lyons, NY: Paul Andrew Stoep, much loved brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and neighbor, passed away suddenly on February 14, 2024. He was born on March 2, 1961 in Delhi, NY. His mother Jean (Deter) Stoep, father Andrew Stoep, his sister Robin Stoep, and his brother David Stoep have gone to be with their Savior before him. He is survived by his brother Peter (Paige) and sister Elizabeth (Sheri), his wife of 41 years, Deborah, his children Benjamin (Kimberly) Stoep, Joshua (Alisa) Stoep, Johanna (Gregory) Schmitter, and Emily (Michael) Swierenga, and their children, respectively: Eli, Audrey, Jacob; Silas, Gracel, Calvin, Titus; Frank, Waylon, Paul, Deacon; Leonard, Arthur; mother-in-law Marilee Lindner; nephews and nieces, Lucas, Leisel, and Levi Stoep; brother-in-law David (Susie) Lindner and their children Anna Lindner, Justin Lindner, and Julia Lindner.
Paul was a lifelong member of the East Palmyra Christian Reformed Church. After attending the East Palmyra Christian School and graduating from Lyons High School in 1979, Paul attended Calvin College, and was married to Deborah (Lindner) on August 26, 1982. He and his brothers were dairy farmers for many years. Paul opened a gravel pit business in 2002, partnered with son Joshua in 2013, and continued crop farming to the present. Paul has been a hunter, a hiker, a paddler, a fisherman, a syrup maker, and a gifted vocalist, poet, storyteller, and songwriter. He has played guitar in many venues. We are grateful for his full and selfless life. Paul glorified his Lord through his hard work, his unconditional love for his family, and his dedication to the teachings of his church and the mission of all believers.
Paul’s home-going service will be held at the East Palmyra Christian Reformed Church, on Monday, February 26th, 2024. Coffeetime will be from 12 noon to 2 pm, the funeral at 2 pm, and supper immediately following. Burial will be held privately at the Stoep Family Farm.
In the Reformed tradition, church, home, and school form the “3-legged stool” which is the foundation of a Christian life. In honor of Paul’s value of strong families, deep faith, and Christian education, memorial gifts may be directed to your preference below: We thank you. Care Net of Wayne County, 1141 E. Union St., Newark, NY 14513, East Palmyra Christian Reformed Church, 2057 E. Palmyra Port Gibson Rd., Palmyra, NY 14522, or the East Palmyra Christian School, 2023 E. Palmyra Port Gibson Rd., Palmyra, NY 14522. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
We express our sympathy in the passing of Paul. May the Lord comfort you in this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Art and Mayme Spronk (Alisa’s Grandpa and Grandma Spronk).
We met the Steop family when our daughter, Monica, attended East Palmyra Christian school and became very close friends with Emily.
Paul would share his love of farming and would say it always brought him peace seeing cows on a hill. We recall the fishing trip on Sodus bay that a great time was had by all. Our peace and love to the Steop family is Seeing Paul at the great reunion with our Savior…our prayers & love to the Steop family…Frank & Karen Hillyard
Thinking of you and family today Ben. May the sun be shining where you are and peace to you and your family.
My brother, Duane, always spoke fondly of Paul. I finally got to meet him at my father’s funeral and found him to be very likeable right away. Later I got to have conversations with him at a couple of our family picnics and he was so interesting
and easy to talk to, like I had known him all along. My condeolences to all of Paul’s family and friends
A fellow farm boy. Much respect. RIP Paul.
Paul. What a great man. A smile that took in the world. Faith of a giant. Wonderful singer and guitarist. We laughed often of how I was warming up in little league. The Cards. I swung while on deck, as hard as I could! Hit this poor guy right in the head on my follow through! I don’t think he went down, but he sure leaned a lot. I had the highest batting average on the team and sure felt bad about that. He said it was alright. An accident. You were just one of the best kind sir.
I was a classmate of Paul’s at Lyons and we shared a fair amount of time together during those years. I think he was genuinely one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. I saw him at one of the reunions and his smile was as infectious as ever. He will be fondly remembered and missed. RIP my friend.
Didn’t know Paul well but immediately recognized a kind soul. Our prayers for comfort and peace for all his family and friends. We see his farm from our backyard and will always think of him while enjoying the view.
Paul always cared about people and was interested in what you were doing. He made everyone feel loved and accepted. It was easy to spend time with him because he was comfortable. We will miss that and his music. We loved you ! We have beautiful memories of Paul. Taken too soon but is at peace.