Dr. Paul Jon Plath
June 12, 1935 - April 6, 2023
Dr. Paul Jon Plath, age 87, peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 6, 2023 surrounded by family who dearly loved him.
Paul was born June 12, 1935 in Elgin, Illinois to Ernest K. Plath and Laura Baumgardt Plath. Paul is survived by 6 children, Pamela (Manuel) Madrid, Paul “Chip” (Mary) Plath, Susan Moss, Missy (Larry) Moss, John (Jennifer) Plath, and PJ (Leslie) Moss; five grandchildren, Anthony (Becky) Moss, Kailey Moss, Rachel Moss, Sophia Plath, and Katherine Plath; and the Segura family - Honda Segura, Lucy (Jaime) Corral, and Rebecca (Robert) Lightner. Paul was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Frances Strohm, David (Jacquie) Plath, and Karl (Sandy) Plath, and his beloved wife Gretchen Kitzmiller Plath.
A S-O-L-I-D man, Paul valued education, family, and faith. He was kind, modest, positive, unassuming and gentle, with a smile on his face and always had a pun to share!
Paul attended the University of Denver on a basketball scholarship (he was known as a tenacious defender) where he graduated with a BFA and MA. He received his EDD from Arizona State University in Phoenix, AZ.
S = SUCCESSFUL described Paul's career in education. He walked the halls of education as a coach, counselor, teacher, principal and superintendent (in Yuma, AZ, and Springfield, OR). He prioritized helping students, teachers and the community. In retirement, he joined his brother Karl's Educational Management Firm.
O = OREGON Ducks afforded Paul and Gretchen many wonderful memories together attending games in person or watching them on TV. They were avid Oregon Duck supporters and sponsors. While faithful attendees at home games, they also traveled to cheer them on at the Rose Bowl and other key games. Sharing Duck games with their children, grandchildren and close friends was a joy. Paul could be found watching some sporting event almost every day! In the last months of his life he attended an Oregon Ducks girls basketball game and a Chicago Cubs versus AZ Diamondbacks baseball game with family. He was a fan until the end.
L = LOVE was what motivated Paul. He had a saying, “God first, others second, me third.” This is how he chose to live his life. Paul was always curious to know someones story and how he could help make their lives better. He was a fantastic listener, adviser, relationship builder, and connector.
I = INVOLVED and engaged with his family, church, work and community, Paul had his finger on the pulse. Often he was called, “Mayor” because everyone seemed to know him. He was well respected and was often sought out to serve on boards and committees. Paul added value to relationships, be they personal or professional, and humanity benefited because of this.
D = DEVOTED to caring for his wife, and the love of his life, Gretchen for over 40 years. He was actively engaged and supportive of his 6 children and 5 grandchildren throughout the ups and downs of life, and was a servant leader in his church and community.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in the near future in Neskowin, OR where Paul and Gretchen's ashes will be brought together.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions of your love, time, or talent in service to others to make their lives better, would be an amazing and wonderful tribute.
Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun