Paul Joseph Sullivan, 87

Paul Joseph Sullivan, 86, Hayden, Idaho, resident, passed away peacefully Dec. 15, 2023, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Paul was born Aug. 16, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Joseph Sullivan and Rose Pagano Sullivan. Paul and his family also lived in Goshen, Ind., for a time. He helped his family by working in their restaurant during childhood and adolescence. Paul attended Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served from 1955 to 1959. 

After serving in the Marine Corps, Paul trained as a machinist. Paul worked in Southern California for companies involved in the aerospace industry during the exciting time of human space flight development. 

While Paul was living in Southern California, Paul's cousin introduced him to Gladys Harriet Hale, originally from Cheney, Wash. The couple married on Oct. 17, 1964, in Spokane, Wash. The couple expanded their family with sons Patrick, born in July 1965, and Damian, born in June 1967. Paul and Gladys lived in Downey, Calif., until 1970, when they moved to Colville, Wash., where Paul began working at Colville Machine Works. Paul and a business partner bought Colville Machine Works and co-owned the business for several years. In 1978, Paul and Gladys moved the family to Chewelah, Wash., and bought and operated Sullivan's Emporium. Paul and his family lived for many memorable years in Chewelah before moving to Auburn, Wash., where Paul began working for Boeing Company as a machinist before retiring in 1999.

Paul was active as a Boy Scout Leader in Colville and later in Chewelah. Paul enjoyed membership in the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce in Chewelah. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed camping with his family. Paul was a proud member of the Pappy Boyington chapter of the Marine Corps League and served as their Junior Vice, Senior Vice and Commandant during his tenure. Paul and Gladys traveled the United States in retirement, adventuring and enjoying this great country in their RV.

Paul is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gladys (Hale) Sullivan; his two sons, Patrick Sullivan and wife Margaret of Asheville, N.C., and Damian Sullivan of Coeur d'Alene; three grandchildren: Jazmynn and Marley Sullivan of Coeur d'Alene and Aidan Sullivan of Asheville, N.C.; brother Chuck Sullivan and sister Patricia Milligan of Des Moines, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews of both Spokane, Wash., and Des Moines, Iowa.

A Memorial Mass will be held 10: a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815.  A graveside will follow at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 Government Way Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815.

Donations in Paul's memory may be made to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in Coeur d’Alene (www.coeur-d-alene-id.toysfortots.org).   

Please visit Paul’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.