Paul Lawrence Dunbar Bennafield, 88 of Canton, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on October 15, 2025. He was born August 31, 1937 to Allen Chester Bennafield Sr. and Emily June (Johnson) Bennafield. A lifelong resident of Canton, Ohio. Paul worked as a Crane Operator for Republic Steel for 33 years. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother-In-Law, Foster Parent and Friend. His presence and influence will be deeply missed. Growing up, he attended McKinley Senior High School, graduating with his GED, and at the age of 18, he joined the military, serving in the Air Force from 1955 - 1959. He careered as a Pastry Chef receiving an honorable discharge. He was always proud of being a Veteran of the United States of America. At the age of 28, he married Wilma Louise Patterson, September 4, 1965 and they shared a 60 year union until his passing. A devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he enjoyed music, driving semis, bowling, old movies, Star Trek, reading, playing monopoly and spades. He gleamed when he shared his childhood and military stories, and loved being surrounded by family, especially his great grands. He was a giver. Paul & Wilma would share their home, food, and financial resources to anyone in need. He also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing tricks on certain family members. He always supported his children and grandchildren in their dreams and goals in life, but his main focus was to love, protect and prove for his wife Wilma. He always said he didn't want her to need or want for anything. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Allen Chester Bennafield Sr. and Emily June (Johnson) Bennafield. Brothers Allen (Sue) Chester Bennafield Jr., David Lee Bennafield, Donald Eugene Bennafield, sister June Emily Bennafield and son Andre' Keith Patterson. He is survived by his wife Wilma Louise Bennafield; Sons: Timothy Dwane Patterson, Zorel Kai Taurean Bennafield, Dashavun Aaron Williams; Daughters: Bernadetta Dorise Allen, Cynthia (Wardell) Trevella Sumpter, Margie Jean Gavin, Terri Lynn Gavin. Special sons: Pat, Todd, Larry, Luke; Special daughters: Monica, Marcy, LaTanya, Suzi, Shannon, Samonia and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.