Paul Tobia, 78 of Tornado, died May 23, 2017, peacefully in his home after his courageous battle with cancer.

Paul was born July 31,1938 in Dehue, WV, to his father Agustino Tobia and his mother, Virginia Alice Burns who proceeded his death along with Paul's siblings, Katherine, Ruby, Bertha, Louis, Romie, Emanuel and James Tobia.

Paul grew up in a large loving family, in a small coal community, with 5 sisters, and 6 brothers. His father was an immigrant from Montefiascone, Italy and taught his children perseverance and passion. Paul demonstrated a great deal of both in his lifetime.

As a young man, Paul worked construction for Don Evans building houses in the Kanawha Valley for many years. Later he became an entrepreneur owning his own construction business named Tobia Building and Remodeling, which he recently retired. This however was not his greatest accomplishment. Paul became an ordained minister in 2013 and for the past 40 years he served as a Deacon for Ohio Street Church of God. In the early 90's Paul started a great humanitarian effort, pairing up with Kroger, Sam's Club, Rite Aid, and Walmart. He opened up the church basement as a food pantry, volunteering endless ours to feed the hungry. Paul was so thoughtful he didn't stop there, if he knew of a family in need he would often deliver food to their door. He kept that going for over 20 years until he was unable to do it any longer.

In his spare time, he enjoyed listening to Christian music, going to the Senior Center, hunting when he was able, playing solitaire on his iPad, and his passion was gardening. He kept a garden up until last year and he and his wife Stella enjoyed canning and sharing their vegetables with friends and neighbors. Paul never met a stranger and dedicated his life to God, his church, and his family. His delightful spirit and fun loving personality will be remembered by all.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Stella Garnes Tobia, of 32 years. He also leaves behind Brenda Hill, Patricia Bland, David and Shannon Tobia, sons and daughters of Patricia Tobia Seldomridge; his blended family, David Casto and Denise Haddox, children of Stella Tobia; along with his 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Naomi Lilly, Sylvia Hall, Billy and Woodrow Tobia and their spouses.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 28 at Ohio Street Church of God, Spring Hill with Pastor Rick Tobia and Pastor Wilson Hudson officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 27 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.