Paul A. Oliver, of Micanopy, FL passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at age 86.  Paul was born in Mishawaka, IN, to Kenneth and Berthe Borie Oliver.

After graduation from Niles (MI) High School, he enlisted in the Army and served his country toward the end of WW II.  After leaving the Army in 1946, Paul returned home to work in the post-war economy of South Bend, IN.  He worked several years for Studebaker, which increased his passion for the marque, and also worked at Bendix Corporation. 

Paul loved Rock & Roll and was in several local bands in the 1960’s, the last one being “The Trips”.  They played in clubs in the South Bend area, including Shula’s and cut an album in 1969 with Paul on vocals, guitar, saxaphone, and organ.

Paul eventually moved to Key West in 1975 and worked for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority until his retirement in 1989.

Paul chose to retire in Micanopy because the population in the 1980 census was nearly identical to its 1900 population.  It was in Micanopy that Paul re-kindled his love for cars, ultimately purchasing and restoring several pre-WW II cars.  His 1930 Model-A Ford Roadster was restored to resemble his first car, a 1929 Model-A Roadster.  Paul’s collection grew to include a Model-T fire engine and five other vehicles including the tongue-in-cheek “Micanopy Taxi,” a 1925 Studebaker Standard Six sedan, which was featured on the cover of the “Antique Studebaker Review.”  Paul welcomed visitors into his “Retirement Home for Aged Vehicles” to share his collection and love of cars.  Over 2,500 visitors from 37 countries and 44 states visited his garage museum.  He also volunteered at the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, and for several years sponsored Little League Micanopy baseball teams including the White Sox team, named after his beloved ChiSox.

Survivors who will cherish Paul’s wit and wisdom include the mother of his two children, Doris Oliver Vigansky, of Buchanan, MI, his son Mike (Barb) Oliver of Sodus, MI, daughter Cathy (Rick) Yost of Palm City, FL, and stepson John Reeves of Cape Coral, FL.  Other survivors include his niece, Denyse Leahy Feeney and her children, Alison and Christopher, as well as Ginny and Ken Beam, whom he considered as family.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Jeannette, who also served her country during WW II.

There will be a graveside service in Historic Micanopy Cemetery at a later date.  Instead of contributions, Paul requests that you “Walk in the Sunshine, Wish on a Star, and Reach for the Sky.”