Paul James Loar

Beloved Paul James Loar, Physical Therapist, age 88, passed away June 10, 2023 in Winter Haven, FL. Paul was born March 21, 1935 in Grafton, WV. He was the son of the late Opal DeLauder Loar Richman and Martin Richman.

Paul was raised in Grafton, WV and a member of the 1952 Grafton High School State Championship Bearcat football team. This was a great honor to Paul and brought distinction not only to their team, Grafton High School, but also to the City of Grafton and surrounding communities.

Paul matriculated West Virginia University 1953-1957, Fairmont State College 1958, D.T. Watson School of Physiatrics at the University of Pittsburgh graduating in 1959 as a Physical Therapist. He was Chief Therapist Pittsburgh Hospital 1962-1969, Chief Therapist Allegeny General Hospital 1966-1969, Department Head Winter Haven Hospital 1969-1973. The greatest pride of his career was serving the rehabilitation physical therapy needs of the Winter Haven community for over 35 years in private practice. Paul pioneered several physical therapy techniques still used today in the physical therapy industry.

Paul was a very proud American, served in the United States Army Reserves, and honorably discharge in 1964. He was a life long Rotarian, served as President of the Cypress Gardens Rotary Club and the Grafton Rotary Club. He enjoyed his many friends in this organization and lived his life in accordance with the Rotarian Four-Way Test in the things he thought, said, or did. Paul was alway truthful, fair, and built good will and better friendships with everyone he met. Paul was a great father and very active in all aspects of his daughters lives. He leaves his daughters with great memories of their dad during the 10 plus years on the softball field with Paul as their coach. Paul enjoyed salt water fishing on the shores of Little Gasparilla Island, deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean with Betsy, family and close friends. In retirement Paul and Betsy enjoyed spending summers with family and friends at their Teeter Lake, WV mountain home. Paul was a collector of Carr China from his hometown Grafton, WV. Christmas time at Paul and Betsy’s home was always filled with elaborate displays of their Department 56 Snow Village collection that leave the family with wonderful holiday memories.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Lora, June, and Garry.

Paul is survived by the love of his life Marion Betsy Loar. He loved her from the very first moment he met her. They were married 37 years. Also surviving are daughters Janice Moumne (Toufic), Diane Loar (Elaine), Judy Marquardt (Chris), Brenda Feindt (Bob), stepson Jeff Watson ( Christy) stepson Rodney Watson (Julie), brother Larry Richman, grandchildren Casey Kowalski (Mike), Erin Feindt, Dr. Olivia Moumne, Jordan Moumne, Christopher Marquardt, Jr. , Connor Watson, Levi Watson, Jesse Watson, great granddaughter Harper Kowalski. Paul was looking forward to the upcoming birth of his great grandson baby Kowalski.

Paul was a great man. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

There are no services scheduled at this time. There will be a celebration of life held in Grafton, WV at a later time.