Donald K. Paul

Donald K. Paul, a retired teacher and long-time La Grande resident, died at his home on Monday, April 14, 2008. He was 81.

A service will begin Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in La Grande.

Don was born June 7, 1926, to John E. and Mary K. Paul in Glendale, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944, one day before his 18th birthday. After basic training, he served as a troop trainer until the end of World War II. He re-enlisted and served during both Korean and Vietnam wars, for a total of 22 years. He loved the service and served in Japan, Korea and Germany, plus Alaska and several other states. During this time, he raised five sons.

After leaving the Army, Don worked at Cape Kennedy and attended night school, training to become a teacher. He traveled to Oregon with three of his five sons, and bought property in Palmer Junction. He and his friend, Wes Falor, build a house and he lived happily there for several years.

In 1981 he married Lanetta Carter of La Grande, and they began building a home near Morgan Lake, with help from Wes Falor. The house took 10 years to build, as they did nearly all the work themselves.

Don taught science at the La Grande Middle School for 19 years. He loved teaching, especially 7th and 8th graders. Don was the favorite teacher of many students, giving each of them a nickname and treating everybody as though they were very special.

After retirement, Don enjoyed sailing with Dr. Bryce Young. They traveled to Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island, Pitcairn, the Gambier Islands and the Tahitian Islands. He loved his boat, and he and Lanetta sailed in the San Juan Islands and Desolation Sound. He felt very lucky to have had such a marvelous retirement.

Don loved singing, and had a beautiful bass voice. He sang in both the Community and United Methodist Church choirs, often performing solos. He enjoyed performing in musical theater at EOU. He was also active in the Union County Democrats, Great Decisions and served on the Citizen's Review Board for several years, aiding children of dysfunctional families.

For the past nine years Don has battled emphysema, never losing his optimistic spirit and sense of humor. He was a voracious reader and maintained a vital interest in world politics. He is survived by his wife, Lanetta, his five sons, Mark and Jeff of Florida, Brad of West Virginia, Michael of Spokane and Brian of La Grande; nieces and nephews, nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and a host of friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Army Emergency Relief Fund, the Don & Lanetta Paul Music Scholarship at EOU, the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, the GRH Home Health/Hospice or the charity of choice in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.