Paul S. "Big John" McCrillis, passed Sunday, October, 22, 2017 after a long battle. Born May 9, 1934 in West Burke, Vermont, he was the only child of the late Fred C. McCrillis and Myra (Stanton) McCrillis He spent his formative years in St Johnsbury, Vermont, graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952. He served in combat in the Korean Conflict, Japan and Fort Bennington, Georgia. Paul was honorably discharged in 1959. He attended Indiana Tech and retired from Rea Magnet Wire in 2001. He was a long-term member of Waynedale Lions Club for 45 years while holding various offices in the club and the zone. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow.

Paul is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cecilia Ann (Kendrick) McCrillis; three children, Nathan Kendrick (Tricia) McCrillis of Noblesville, Kathleen A. McCrillis of St. Louis, Missouri and Curtis Stanton (Anna) McCrillis of Fort Wayne; he was grandpa to Alexander Pensinger, Quinten and Anastasia McCrillis; a sister-in-law, Sue Kendrick; and brothers-in-law, Paul Cunningham, Max (Bobbie) Kendrick, Jim (Paulette) Kendrick, Paul (Ester) Kendrick, Gary (Kristie) Kendrick and Pat (Denise) Kendrick.

In accordance with Paul''s wishes there will be no services. A family celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Supportive Care of Parkview Randallia and the staff of Saint Anne''s Rehab for the care and support of Paul and his family on final journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul''s name may be made to the H.O.P.E. for Animals, Community Cat Program at 1333 MayCrest Drive, Fort Wayne IN 46805 or Waynedale Lion''s Club, 7111 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809.