Paul Lash

1949 - 2019

NELSONVILLE - With his daughters by his side, Paul Rory Lash, 69, passed away on Nov. 16, 2018. Born Sept. 2, 1949, in Logan, Ohio, he was the son of the late Paul Leland Lash and Mildred Midge Haladay Lash.
Paul, known in his younger days by his middle name, Rory, graduated from Nelsonville High School in 1967. Paul enlisted in the Army in December of that same year and would, eventually, earn the rank of lieutenant in the Weapons Infantry (Airborne). Paul was a proud Vietnam veteran and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Medal, as well as his Parachutist and Combat Infantrymans Badges for his service. Before an Honorable Discharge, Paul spent a summer teaching jungle survival tactics and repelling at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
After the Army, Paul wore many professional hats throughout his life - mailman, hairdresser, business owner, and land developer - but found his true passion in writing and volunteering. His weekly volunteer work in the kitchen of the Roanoke Rescue Mission earned him the name "Pancake Man."
Paul was a lifelong lover of motorcycles and would go for a ride whenever he could. Whether it was a quick run to the store or an extended road trip exploring the U.S., he was happiest when he was on two wheels (or when he was eating chocolate pie).
Paul was a passionate man with an ability to accomplish just about anything he set out to do. He was funny, dependable, inventive, and a truly exceptional father, teacher, and friend to his daughters. He relished in his ability to embarrass them in their youth and was very proud of the adults they became.
Paul will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughters, Jessica Miller, her husband, Tod, and their daughter, Maggie, of Mobile, Ala., and Betsy O'Malley, her husband, Corey, and their children, Maeve and Harrison, all of Hillsborough, N.C. He also is survived by his sisters, Judy (Jerry) Oliver, Lynn (Jim) Daggett, Phyllis (Bruce) Carter, Grace (Gary) Koon; and brother, Michael (Diana) Lash, as well as nieces, nephews and a host of longtime friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Midge; and by his former wife and dear friend, Christine McDonald, in 2015.
A memorial service is tentatively planned in the spring of 2019. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust.
He was so loved!!!