Scott B. Pauley
July 25th, 1956 - December 1st, 2025
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Scott's Obituary
Scott Pauley, 69, of St. Joseph, Michigan, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025 in his home.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life visitation at Starks Funeral Home on Thursday, December 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Friday, December 12 at 11 a.m., followed by a ceremony with Military Honors conducted by the Stevensville American Legion Post 568 at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville, MI.
Scott was born in Bay City, MI on July 25, 1956, to Angus “Scotty” and Janet Pauley. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1975-79, which hugely impacted the trajectory of his life, building his strong character and allowing him to graduate from Michigan State University. After college, he led a fulfilling career in education, first as an 8th grade science teacher and later as a middle school principal. He married fellow educator, Celeste Campos, in 1986. Together they raised a daughter and son to become leaders in their own professions. He was confirmed into the Catholic Church when his children were teenagers.
Throughout his adult life, Scott felt called to create bright futures for the less fortunate as both an educator and mentor. He used his innate creativity to make learning fun, and he took great joy in joking around with others. Forging strong bonds, his influence extended to his students, staff, and colleagues. In retirement, Scott was actively involved in the Marine Corp League and positively impacted countless families as the local Toys for Tots Coordinator, ensuring children across Berrien County received toys for Christmas.
Scott was a beloved father, uncle, friend, and neighbor, making time to help whenever needed. He even joined watergun fights with neighborhood kids and made one Halloween night an event for kids to remember. Everywhere he went, he was making new friends with people of all ages. He always enjoyed telling stories, a talent which he passed down to his daughter. Often Scott could be found gaming with others, especially his son. One of his greatest joys later in life was spending time with his only grandson.
Friends remember Scott for his sense of humor and smile, infectious laughter, strength and integrity, storytelling, and leadership. He was a challenger and supporter for all and dedicated to honor and duty. Many describe Scott as a brother and others a cherished mentor.
Scott is survived by his wife, Celeste (Campos) Pauley of St. Joseph, MI; his daughter, Kara Pauley, of South Bend, IN; his son, Zachary, and grandson, Albert of Royal Oak, MI; his mother, Janet Pauley of San Antonio, TX; and his brothers, Ron Pauley of Henderson TN, Jeff Pauley of San Antonio, TX, and Rick Pauley of Toledo, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Berrien County Toys for Tots.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life visitation at Starks Funeral Home on Thursday, December 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Friday, December 12 at 11 a.m., followed by a ceremony with Military Honors conducted by the Stevensville American Legion Post 568 at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville, MI.
Scott was born in Bay City, MI on July 25, 1956, to Angus “Scotty” and Janet Pauley. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1975-79, which hugely impacted the trajectory of his life, building his strong character and allowing him to graduate from Michigan State University. After college, he led a fulfilling career in education, first as an 8th grade science teacher and later as a middle school principal. He married fellow educator, Celeste Campos, in 1986. Together they raised a daughter and son to become leaders in their own professions. He was confirmed into the Catholic Church when his children were teenagers.
Throughout his adult life, Scott felt called to create bright futures for the less fortunate as both an educator and mentor. He used his innate creativity to make learning fun, and he took great joy in joking around with others. Forging strong bonds, his influence extended to his students, staff, and colleagues. In retirement, Scott was actively involved in the Marine Corp League and positively impacted countless families as the local Toys for Tots Coordinator, ensuring children across Berrien County received toys for Christmas.
Scott was a beloved father, uncle, friend, and neighbor, making time to help whenever needed. He even joined watergun fights with neighborhood kids and made one Halloween night an event for kids to remember. Everywhere he went, he was making new friends with people of all ages. He always enjoyed telling stories, a talent which he passed down to his daughter. Often Scott could be found gaming with others, especially his son. One of his greatest joys later in life was spending time with his only grandson.
Friends remember Scott for his sense of humor and smile, infectious laughter, strength and integrity, storytelling, and leadership. He was a challenger and supporter for all and dedicated to honor and duty. Many describe Scott as a brother and others a cherished mentor.
Scott is survived by his wife, Celeste (Campos) Pauley of St. Joseph, MI; his daughter, Kara Pauley, of South Bend, IN; his son, Zachary, and grandson, Albert of Royal Oak, MI; his mother, Janet Pauley of San Antonio, TX; and his brothers, Ron Pauley of Henderson TN, Jeff Pauley of San Antonio, TX, and Rick Pauley of Toledo, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Berrien County Toys for Tots.
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