Paul "PJ" Imber Sr., 89, Defiance,  passed away Saturday, January 5, 2013, at his home.

He was born March 1, 1923, in Defiance and was the son of Ambrose L.and Ambrosia M. (Walz) Imber.

Paul is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years Frances (Huber) Imber, whom he married on February 15, 1947. He is also survived by his four children; son Paul J. (Jane) Imber Jr., son Patrick A. (Mary Kay) Imber, daughter Ann E. (David) Westrick, son Michael G. Imber (Shaun Whiteford) all of Defiance, 9 Grandchildren; Amy (Steve) Minck, Robert (Kate) Imber, Shawn (Jessica) Imber, Jennifer Imber (Tate Griffith), Anthony (Jennifer) Imber, Andrew (Amanda) Westrick, Audra Westrick, Ashley and Joshua Imber, 9 Great grandchildren with one more expected and a sister Mary (Robert) Schlembach of Toledo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers; Donald, Thomas and A.L. "Bud" Imber.

"PJ" as many people knew him by, proudly served his county in the U. S. Army during W.W. II and was a POW and received the Silver Star as well as other citations. He liked to tell many war stories. After his service, Paul came back home and worked at the former Defiance screw machine, Zeller Corporation, Allstar and he retired as head of maintenance for the City of Defiance waste water treatment plant. He was an auxiliary firefighter for the City of Defiance for 44 years and was a member of the Defiance Volunteer Fire Department. Paul was a life member of the VFW Post #3360 of Defiance and enjoyed the outdoors hunting, fishing, and looking for Indian relics.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 from 2 to 8pm at the Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. During the visitation members of the Defiance Fire Dept. will pay tribute.

Mass of Christian Burial for Paul will be celebrated Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 1pm in the St. John Catholic Church with Father Dave Tscherne as celebrant.

Burial with military honors accorded by the VFW Post #3360, will be in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, American Diabeties Association or Wounded Warriors.