Paul Arthur Svenson, 89, of Lexington Park, MD died January 20, 2012 at Hospice of St. Mary's County of natural causes. Paul was born April 26, 1922 in Omaha, Nebraska to the late Sven Svenson and Christine (Sorensen) Svenson.

His parents immigrated from Sweden and Denmark, and settled in Omaha, where Paul spent his youth. He graduated high school in Omaha, and obtained his 4-year degree from Nebraska Wesleyan College.

He joined the U. S. Navy during WW II and became a Naval Aviator in the Pacific Theater. He flew A4F Hellcats, and other aircraft which were catapulted off of ships on missions of submarine and reconnaissance patrols. After the war ended, Paul transferred to the Nebraska Air National Guard and flew some the U.S. Navy's first jet aircraft. Paul left that service, and worked for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), the support organization for US military base exchanges. Through the years he was transferred eight times to different assignments including Germany and the United States.

In his leisure time he enjoying camping and traveling with his family. He retired from AAFES in 1977 after his last duty station at Andrews AFB. He relocated eventually in 1980 from Waldorf, Maryland to the waterfront location of Mayo, Maryland, in the Annapolis area to pursue his love of sailing. He belonged to the Venture Sailing Association and spent countless days plying the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in the various sailing vessels he owned. In 2003, he began residency at Sunrise Assisted Living, where he enjoyed restful living, and resided there until his final days at Hospice of St. Mary's County.

He is survived by his three children: Robert Svenson of Denver, CO, Barbara Svenson of Lexington Park, MD, and Mark Svenson of Woodbridge, VA; two grandchildren: Laura Schmitt of Westminster, MD and James Brinsfield of Baltimore, MD; three great grandchildren: Bailey, Cassidy, and Aubrey, all of Westminster, MD; and one surviving sister, Dede Paulsen of Waterford, CN.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lorendia Naomi Brockman, and his second wife Mildred Marquess Svenson.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Paul's life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in St Mary's City, MD at a future date and final interment will be in Lincoln, Nebraska. Email bsvenson(at)crosslink.net for more specifics.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 207, St. Mary's City, MD 20686.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home.