Paul Carey Lechner passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, in El Cajon, California.

Paul was born April 10, 1939, one of six children of Albert and Margaret (Savery) Lechner. He graduated from Danville High School and the Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a degree in business administration.

He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army after graduation and was honorably discharged after two years of service. He continued serving his country as a civilian with the Central Intelligence Agency, mainly overseas. Upon retirement in 1989, Paul relocated to San Diego, California. In 1991, Paul met Ed Cruz and they shared 31 happy years together. Paul was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in El Cajon. Favorite pastimes included family fishing trips to Canada, tennis, going to the beach, and visiting local casinos. He traveled extensively for work, and then for enjoyment, mainly to Thailand, Guam, Europe, Japan, and Laos.

In addition to his spouse, Edward Cruz, Paul is survived by his sisters, Rita (Richard) Moore, Lebanon, Pa. and Susan Shwed, Kirkland, Wash.; his sisters-in-law, Patricia (Mahoney) Lechner, Priscilla (Cruz) Villagomez, Edith (Cruz) Iriarte, Barbara (Cruz) Huihui, Selina (Cruz) Castro, Juanita Cruz and Maria Cruz. He is also survived by many cousins and nieces and nephews who will miss "Uncle Paul".

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and James (and Peggy); his sister, Mary Margaret; niece, Katherine Shwed Gray; and nephews, Andy Tan Tai Moore and Brendan Tobin.

In the spring, a "Celebration of Life" service will be held in Lebanon.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Paul will live on in the hearts of all of us who were touched by his gentleness and his love. Thank you, Paul.