Paul Duane Struss

Date Born: April 10, 1942

Date Deceased: June 8, 2017

On June 8, 2017, Paul Duane Struss passed away at age 75 in his home in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. He was born April 10, 1942, in Great Bend, Kansas.

His family moved to Eddyville, OR, in the fall of 1950, where he grew up and attended grade school where his dad was principal. When he was a freshman the family moved to Molalla, OR.

After graduating from High School in 1960, he attended Oregon State University graduating in 1965 with a degree in Chemistry and Biology.

He and a friend spent the summer hitch hiking around the US and Mexico. Then in September of 1965, he started teaching science at Coffenberry Junior High where he taught for 30 years retiring in 1995. He was very athletic and coached seventh and eighth grade basketball for about half of those years, some years’ baseball and football also.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 50 years; a son, Martin (Laurie Dailey); daughters, Karrie (Jerry Brown) and Valarie; two granddaughters, Hailey and Brandi; and five grandsons, Gabe, Jaime, Tristian, Kyle and Toby. He also is survived by two sisters, Mary Ann Toms, and Glenda (Marcus Keyes).

He enjoyed all sports especially any that Oregon State was playing. He had weed free gardens. He loved his family and was happiest when we were all together. He greeted everyone with a smile and a quick “hi” and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was such a kind, gentle, and generous soul with a great sense of humor, putting everyone’s needs above his own. He will be missed by anyone who knew him. He was a legend in this town and any day up until the end when former students saw him they always had a story about him.

Per his request, he will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at Coffenberry Gym on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at 11 a.m.