Paul Rollin Trammell

Paul Rollin Trammell was born March 25, 1936 in Rich Hill, Missouri to Louis and Hattie Trammell and passed away August 25, 2023. He moved with parents and brothers to Washington State and settled in the Yakima Valley when Paul was six years old.

He grew up in Ahtanum and Wiley City, graduating from Yakima HS in 1954. He started working in the orchards at the age of 13 and enjoyed fishing and hunting in his free time. He attended Yakima Valley Community College from 1954 to 1956 and graduated from Central Washington University in 1958 with a degree in education. He taught his first year in the Selah School District from 1958 to 1959.

He took one year off from teaching and went on active duty in the Army Reserves. While in the reserves, he was selected as the outstanding soldier of his platoon during basic training and was honored later as the outstanding non-commissioned Army Reservist of the 104th Division.

In the fall of 1960 Paul took a position in the Highland School District at Tieton MS teaching 7th and 8th grade math, P.E., and mechanical drawing. Additionally, he helped in the driver education program at Highland HS, later taking over the program.

In January 1972 he was set up on a blind date by his future mother-in-law and was introduced to Judy Lee Nilsson. They hit it off immediately—it was love at first sight. They married in June 1972 after a quick courtship.

At Tieton MS, Paul coached boys’ baseball and basketball and the teams won over 20 league championships with one impressive stretch of 102 consecutive wins in basketball.

Paul spent a total of 38 years teaching at Tieton MS then moved on to West Valley HS, teaching three years in the driver's education program. He taught for one year at Union Gap, finally finishing his remarkable 50-year career at St. Joseph Marquette in Yakima.

Outside of teaching, Paul played third base in Yakima's Fast Pitch Major League for over 20 years and was elected to Yakima’s Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Still, he found time to coach his kids’ teams throughout their athletic careers and attended their sporting events.

Paul and Judy with friends established a very successful woodcraft business called “Feathers & Friends” where they constructed country folk art items and sold them at craft shows. Eventually Judy and Paul took over the business, running it for a total of 20 years.

Paul was a proud member of Wiley Heights Covenant Church, where he spent Sundays with many friends he had known most of his life. He really looked forward to the post service coffee social.

Paul was beyond proud of his children and grandchildren and would often share their successes with anyone who would listen. He was fondly referred to as “St. Paul” for those who knew him well, as he was always doing nice things for our family. While we are sad to say goodbye, we rejoice in the reunion of him and our mother. He missed her so much. He leaves a void in our hearts that cannot be filled.

The family would like to give a huge thank you to the staff at Highgate Senior Living and Cheri with Memorial Hospice. We are forever grateful for the care they provided.

Paul is survived by his four children, their partners, grandchildren, and siblings: Tim (Cherie) Trammell, Chris (Jen) Trammell, Nicole (Paul) Woolpert, Chelsea Snodgrass (Peter Olsufka), grandchildren Hannah, Ben, Claire, Macy, Liberty, Scout, brother Ed (Glenis) Trammell, sister Sandy Moultray, sister-in-law Carol Trammell, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Wiley Heights Covenant Church, 12504 Gilbert Rd, Yakima, WA 98903.

A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at Sozo Sports Complex, 2200 S 36th Ave., Yakima, WA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Trammell family.