Paul Gary Witherow II

Family and friends are invited to share in the Celebration of Life for Mr. Paul Gary Witherow, II, who passed away peacefully at his home with his wife by his side on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Lay Minister Roberta Strass officiating, concluding with a Military Honor Service. A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will resume in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. until time of service.
He was preceded in death by one son, Lt. Col. John R. Witherow; and his parents, Major Paul G. Witherow and Virginia A. Witherow.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Bagwell Witherow of Pollock; one son, Matthew W. Witherow of Boulder, Colorado; two daughters, June M. Patt of Denham Springs, and Amy T. Howard (Brian) of Denham Springs; one brother, Phillip Witherow; four grandchildren, Grant Witherow of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Leise Witherow of Colorado Springs, Colorado, John H. Patt of Denham Springs, and Amanda S. Patt of Denham Springs; and one great grandchild, Lincoln G. Patt of Denham Springs.
Having grown up in a military Air Force family, Paul traveled the world. While a Junior at the International High School in Thailand, Paul worked for Air America traveling around Asia. His senior year in high school found him in Great Falls, Montana, where his father, a Major with the Air Force, was stationed. Paul graduated from the University of Pennsylvania after which he entered the United States Navy as a 2nd Lieutenant, and he served in the Vietnam War. At the end of the war, Paul worked on the 150 foot "Reginus Americus" sailing for a year in the Pacific. He absolutely loved all aspects of sailing.
When Paul made his way to Louisiana, he turned his interest into helping those with a substance abuse problem. He received a Master's Degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He ultimately created the Gateway Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program on the grounds of Central State Hospital. As the Executive Director of Cenla Chemical Substance Abuse, he created a halfway house for men, a halfway house for women, and a halfway house for women with young children. He also created a wraparound mental health program, and a gambling prevention program for several parishes in Central Louisiana. It was during this time that the State of Louisiana recognized Paul as the state Authority on Adolescent Substance Abuse. Paul touched so many lives in all the years of his work. He gave hope to those who had none.
A love of golf opened a new avenue for Paul. He played anytime he had a chance to hit the ball. Paul retired in 2015 due to health reasons and spent more leisure time visiting his daughters in Denham Springs and traveling to the Gulf Coast. When he wasn't traveling, he was always working on his home that he dearly loved.
Friends may post online messages of condolences for the Witherow family by visiting www.rushfh.com