Paul Edward DesNoyers passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at the age of 82 while surrounded by his immediate family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Gail (Paepke) DesNoyers, his sons Todd (Lisa) DesNoyers, Brad DesNoyers, and Ross DesNoyers, grandchildren Trey DesNoyers, Luke DesNoyers, Erica Butler-DesNoyers, and Aaron Butler, and sister Diane Messina. He is also survived by his children Paula Baker, Tammy Nicewander, Allen DesNoyers, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded by parents Bernard and Josephine DesNoyers and brother BJ DesNoyers. He was born on May 12, 1941 in Flushing, New York to Bernard and Josephine DesNoyers. Paul was the second of three children, growing up in Bayside, New York and spending summers with family in North Adams, Massachusetts. After graduating from Holy Cross High School, he moved with his family to Alexandria, Virginia, then followed business opportunities to Detroit, Michigan before settling in Big Rapids, Michigan in 1977. Paul enjoyed a long and diverse career in sales. He began his career with a beer importation and distribution company in Virginia, quickly becoming their national sales representative. This allowed him to continue his enjoyment of travel across the country as well as abroad. He helped expand this business to Detroit before joining Don Lee Distributing as their sales manager for beer and wine. His time in Detroit is where he met his wife Gail, marrying in 1973. They moved to Big Rapids, Michigan in 1977 to raise their family, where he continued his sales career with a number of ventures before opening DesNoyers Insurance Agency and serving the community for over 30 years. After retiring in 2010 he regularly traveled the country to visit and spend time with his many friends and family. A leader who was extremely involved and well known in the Big Rapids community, Paul was a loyal and supportive friend to many, generously giving of his time and resources to local causes. After leaving major cities behind, he enjoyed raising cattle and chickens and spent over 40 years boiling maple syrup on his small farm. Paul was most known for his many roles with Elks Lodge #974, where he could be found for many years on Thursday and Friday evenings. He began the Christmas Charities program, providing Christmas meals and gifts to dozens of families in need throughout the community for many years. He was involved in youth soccer, baseball, and hockey with his sons. After sports he became a long serving committee member and assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 114, a founding member of the Mecosta County Fire Investigation Unit, a member of the Big Rapids Property Owners Association, and a longtime member of the Big Rapids Eagles 2535 and Clear Lake Golf Club. Funeral Services will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023, at The United Church of Big Rapids. The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 15th at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made in Paul's name to Big Rapids Elks Lodge #974 or to Big Rapids Boy Scout Troop 114. Share a memory, a picture, and leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Visitation Friday, September 15, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Funeral Service Saturday, September 16, 2023 11:00 AM United Church of Big Rapids 120 South State Street Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Friday, September 15, 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307