Paul Edward Scifres, (known as “Skiff” to many) age 83 of Salem, Indiana passed away Wednesday morning, May 11, 2022 in his residence.
Born January 8, 1939 and raised in Little York, Indiana, he was the son of the late Joseph M. Scifres and Mae Irene (Nichols) Scifres.
A life resident of Washington County, he graduated from Salem High School Class of 1957 then received his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University where he studied mathematics and education and went on to receive his Master’s in Administration degree from Indiana University, and later his Ed.S.
On April 20, 1962 he married Virginia “Jinny” L. (Tiedt) Scifres, who passed away October 5, 2000.
Paul was a retired teacher at Salem High School, where he also served as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director for many years.
He taught math classes at I.U. Southeast and tutored students in math during retirement. He was an avid fan of several sports, including all Olympic sports, track and field, cross country, tennis, L. A. Dodgers baseball, and anything starting with the word “Purdue” or “Salem.”
He volunteered as much, and most notably was a member of the Salem Presbyterian Church, the Washington County Food Bank, Salem Exchange Club, Master Gardeners, and Habitat for Humanity.
He took up running later in life and until recent years, could be seen jogging around town as he trained for his next race. Although he had been retired for 30 years, he kept a hectic pace with all of his volunteer activities up until his last day.
He is survived by: Daughter, Stephanie Scifres of Salem, Indiana; Son, Tom (Kim) Scifres of Salem, Indiana; Grandson, Joseph Anthony (Saydi) Scifres of Salem, Indiana; Granddaughter, Brittney (Ismael) Scifres of Campbell, CA; Great grandchildren: Skyler, Huxley, Dahlia and Etta. Also surviving are: Brother: Eugene Scifres of Villages, FL; Sister-in-Law: Sylvia (Gary) Graves of Salem; and Sister-in-Law Sandy (Tom) Tiedt of Salem, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.
