Paul Franklin Heglar was born on September 2, 1947, to Raymond and Dorothy Heglar.  He died on February 20 at home surrounded by his family.

Paul attended St. John Elementary, Junior High, and High School and graduated in 1965.  He attended Eastern Washington College (now EWU), completed the ROTC program, and graduated with a degree in Education.  Upon graduation, Paul completed basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia.

In February of 1966, Paul met Susan Helt at a basketball game in Endicott, WA.  They fell in love and later married.  Children, Allison and Jon, followed in 1969 and 1974.

Paul's first teaching position was at Royal City Middle School where he taught English and Literature, and coached basketball, baseball and wrestling.  Later, the family moved to Mead, WA where Paul taught Junior High English and Literature, and coached baseball, football, and wrestling.  Upon learning of his decision to return to the family farm, the student body dedicated the Mead Junior High annual to him.  Paul was a creative and devoted teacher, whose door was always open, and students hoped to be placed in his classes.

In 1976, Paul returned to the family farm in St. John, WA where he farmed with his father and uncle.  Raising his family in the town that he grew up in, along with the same values, was a dream realized.  He loved farming. The ground was part of the very fiber of his being, and he was grateful for it every day.

In addition to farming, Paul loved St. John and was involved in many community organizations.  He served on the Boards of the St. John Grain Growers, the Whitman County Library, St. John Telephone Company, and the St. John Golf Club.  Paul was also an active member of the St. John Community Club.

Paul was instrumental in the St. John-Endicott School Cooperative and a key member of the committee to bring a new doctor to St. John in 1988.  He always recognized that a small town was only as strong as its school and the services that it could provide.

In 1981, Paul was chosen to coach the St. John High School Girl's Basketball Team.  He focused not only on the fundamentals of the game, but also created a culture of teamwork for the players and community could be proud of.  With the help of his dear friend, Don Nelson, the Eagles returned to the State B Basketball Tournament in 1981 and 1982.  Paul loved his players, and the feeling was mutual.

Paul was passionate about golf, fishing, hunting, and summers at the lake.  Some of his favorite times were spent at Priest Lake enjoying "Huckleberry Daiquiri Tours", pulling his kids and their friends behind the boat, and finding solitary moments in the shade to read a good book.

Above all, Paul was a deeply devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He showed up for us 100% of the time and never missed a chance to tell us that he loved us and was proud of us.  Paul courageously fought Alzheimer's for 10 years but never complained.  He tirelessly researched the disease and participated in clinical studies, as he felt called to help future generations of people afflicted.  His zest for life and love for his family never wavered.  Paul was a constant source of inspiration and love to his family.  Simply put, he was the best.  EVER.

Paul is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Allison (Rick); son, Jon; his beloved grandchildren, Ava, Rip, and Owen; and by his brother Bill (Connie) Heglar.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy, and his father Raymond.

A vigil service immediately followed by mass will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 beginning at 12:30 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in St. John. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately after mass at the Rialto Tavern in St. John. Memorial donations are suggested to the St. John Fire Department, the Whitman County Humane Society, or to the St. John Library - Youth Reading Programs. Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be held at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com