Columbus, OH — Paul Douglas Gsell, 87, of Crumpton, Md., died Nov. 17, 2025, at Corsica Hills, in Centreville, Md.
Mr. Gsell was born in Wilmington, Del., on Oct. 23, 1938, the son of the late Silver and Alice. He attended Chestertown High School and worked at his family farm, where he fell in love with horses. He fox hunted with his father and owned his horse Friday from the age of 11.
His passion for horses developed into a lifelong career in horse training and fox hunting. He worked with Wilbur Hubbard and later Leonard Dupont Wright at Winfield Farms as a horse handler in the stallion barn, where he helped train Northern Dancer. After his retirement, Mr. Gsell and his wife, Carolyn, owned, trained, and raced Standardbreds. Mr. Gsell had an amazing way with horses, his favorite being All About Town, who he called “Honey Bee”.
He was a member of the USTA. He also enjoyed crabbing, rabbit hunting, beagle field trials, and coached Little League baseball.
In addition to his wife, Carolyn, he is survived by his son, Paul Jr.; daughter, Judy; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William; and granddaughter, Christinia.
A viewing will be held on Thursday (Nov. 20) from 6-8 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD 21620. Interment will be held privately.