Paul Munson Obituary

Paul Richard Munson

June 9, 1940 - June 11, 2025

Paul Richard Munson, born June 9, 1940, in Kokomo, Indiana, died June 11, 2025, in Roanoke, Virginia.

Paul was predeceased by his grandfather Alex Zahl, beloved parents, Cecil L. Munson (decorated WWII Navy veteran), Frances Zahl Munson (nurse and artist), and many canine companions. Paul is survived by his daughters, Maia Holl and Sidney Marchon (Stephania Munson, mother), son-in-law Eric Marchon, and grandchildren Alyssa Marchon (Reese Thomas), Gavin Marchon (Thistle Marchon), and Thomas Marchon, sister Diana K. Munson, nephew Diaurmid McDermott (great-nieces Chloe and Ashleigh), and many life-long friends and former students.

Paul attended Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he excelled in state-level track and field and developed a lifelong love of nature and art. He graduated from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1969 with a BFA in sculpture and earned an MFA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1972.

Paul was unconventional and, from a young age, developed a love of nature, art, dogs, gardening, canoeing, and sailing. He was drawn to the visual arts and always incorporated his love of nature into his work. Paul was a gifted collegiate and adjunct professor and high school teacher, and was a mentor to many students he kept in touch with throughout the years. In his later years, Paul was a Morale Support Director for the US Army at multiple US Army bases.

Although Paul constantly created, some of his many exhibits in galleries, museums, publications, and films include installations at Andres Institute of Art, National Museum of American Art, Everton Museum, Embassy of the Americas, SECCA, Vassar College Gallery of Art, and Richmond Museum of Art. Paul was the recipient of multiple awards and distinctions, including the Artist's Fellowship Grant (National Endowment for the Arts) and repeated Certificate of Distinction (Virginia Artists).

A celebration of life will be held in August 2025 and will be private for the family and close friends.

Paul's daughters find comfort that his spirit lives on in nature. Our Dad was unique and taught us resilience, the importance of family, a strong Faith, and love of nature. We will forever miss our Dad's constant sense of unwavering support. We find comfort in nature, knowing our Dad is everywhere and beyond.