Raymond Francis Pauken, Longtime Columbus Educator and Musician, Dies at 90
Raymond Francis (“Ray”) Pauken, 90, of Bexley, Ohio, passed away peacefully on , surrounded by family. A life dedicated to family, community, education, and music came to a close after nine decades of impact.
Born on , in Maumee, Ohio, Ray was the son of Paul and Mary Pauken. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War and later participated in an Honor Flight, experiences that shaped his lifelong commitment to service. He was a graduate of Ohio State University, completing both an undergraduate degree and pursuing post-graduate coursework.
For 34 years, Ray dedicated himself to shaping young minds as a teacher within the Columbus Public Schools system. His commitment to education was recognized with numerous awards, including accolades from the Freedom Foundation and the State PTA. In , he received the distinguished honor of being named Ohio Teacher of the Year.
Beyond the classroom, Ray was a vibrant presence in the Columbus community. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Columbus, the American Legion, the Shamrock Club, the Columbus and Franklin County teachers credit union, and the Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society. He was a longtime member of both St. Patrick Church, and St. Catharine Church in Columbus.
Music was a central passion throughout Ray’s life. He played the banjo for over 50 years, performing at venues across Ohio. A testament to his dedication, he even had a banjo tattooed on his knee. For 25 years, he graced the stage at Plank’s Bier Garten alongside John Farley. He also co-founded the Bexley Jam Band, entertaining audiences for approximately 20 years at Johnson’s Ice Cream and other local events in Bexley.
In , Ray’s musical contributions were formally recognized with his induction into the Columbus Senior Musicians’ Hall of Fame.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Patricia (Ryan), his parents, Paul and Mary, and his brothers Jim, Dick, Ken, and Carl. He is survived by his three children: Michael (Marc Harshbarger) of Chicago, Illinois; Patrick of Perrysburg, Ohio; and Molly (Desi) Steinbrook of Bexley, Ohio. He also leaves behind grandchildren Ryan Steinbrook (fiancé Max Grossman) and Jordan Steinbrook, brother Marty Pauken (Jacky), sisters Mary Louise (Bob, deceased) Tiemann and Connie (Red) Williams, sister-in-law Katherine Wooley of Charlotte, North Carolina, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. At EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, located at 403 E. Broad St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. At St. Catharine Church, 500 South Gould Road. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family requests that those wishing to honor Ray’s memory consider making a contribution to Honor Flight Columbus.
The family has expressed gratitude to Zusman Hospice for their care and support.