Donald Eugene “Don” Paullus of Hermiston passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024 in Hermiston at the age of 85.
Don was born to Ethel Mae Saunders and Claude Franklin Paullus on Feb. 9, 1939 in Lakeview.
He grew up a logger’s son in Myrtle Point where he graduated from high school in 1957. He served in the Marines with an honorable discharge. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Norton on Nov. 27, 1958 in Lebanon. They had an everlasting love that kept growing, being married for 53 years. We never saw them argue or fight – just the opposite. They worked together for the benefit of their children, Rick Alan, Carrie Lynn, and Randy Lee. They raised their kids in small Oregon logging towns that included Myrtle Point, John Day, Heppner, and Camp 5 (Fossil). Don followed his father’s footsteps as a logger for over two decades. His skills included driving a self-loader and keeping the truck running mechanically. When he hung up his logging suspenders, he worked for Simplot as a trucking manager and shop foreman. He also worked for several tire stores, managing some of them. After he retired he worked for TSA in security, along with managing a storage unit facility with his wife. His last job was being a medical van driver, working until he was 80 years old! Our dad loved to work and found joy in any and all forms of employment, instilling an amazing work ethic in his three children.
Don enjoyed driving up to the mountains, as he had a fondness for nature and being outdoors. This meant Dad taking us on his “shortcuts,” which usually took twice the time to get where we were going, but we loved it! He truly wanted to live off the grid, and Camp 5 was pretty close to it. He hunted and camped with his sons, grandsons, and brother-in-law, Pat for many, many years. He also really enjoyed sports, whether watching his granddaughter play for Hermiston High School; his grandsons play football, baseball, basketball and golf; or just watching a sport because he loved it so much. He really enjoyed his grandkids to the fullest extent.
Don is survived by his children, Rick (Jacki), Carrie, and Randy (Beth); grandchildren, Kristopher (Morgan), Geoff (Danielle), Kelly (Lita), Kory, Brittany (Tyler), Jake, and Ashli; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Barbie; his brother, Norman; and sisters, Doris and Frances.
Services were held on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Please share memories of Don with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
