Paul Chastain

Paul Raymond Chastain, Jr., aged 89, passed away gently on July 23, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was comforted by his cherished and adoring family. Paul's early years were marked by the hardships of the Dust Bowl which drove his extended family from Western Oklahoma to the San Francisco Bay area when he was a very young boy.

He graduated from high school early and attended the University of California at Berkley where he earned a degree in economics. After graduating, he joined the United States Army, a commitment that reflected his dedication and love for his country. He served at The Presidio in San Francisco receiving medals for marksmanship and was honorably discharged.

Professionally, he distinguished himself as a corporate executive with a knack for finance and people. He moved through the ranks at publicly traded companies like Litton Industries and Allis-Chalmers. Landing at Kinark Corporation in Tulsa in the early '70's, he made significant contributions rising to the pinnacle of his career as CEO.

A handsome man with a disarming smile, he was affable, generous and kind-hearted. Dad was known for his calm demeanor and sharp wit. If you came to him with a head of steam about some great injustice you thought you suffered, he would unravel your campaign with gently mocking questions until you were laughing at your absurd position. Never one to jump to conclusions, he always walked in the other person's shoes.

He loved music and could whistle and sing with the best. He was an excellent puzzler and usually won at cards and board games. He liked to take the road less traveled on trips, enjoying the journey as much as the destination. He had a knack for embarrassing nicknames so you were well-advised to behave around him.

As children of Paul and Rhoda growing up in San Francisco, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Tulsa my sisters and I lived a life full of family time, laughter and adventure, learning most importantly (in Paul's estimation), not to eat like wild dogs at the dinner table.

After his first wife passed, Dad, ever the bright-sider, went on in 2002 to form a new, blended family with Maria with whom he continued to enjoy a joy-filled and enriched life. Owing to all this marrying and family blending he was loved and adored by 3 children, 3 adult step-children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He is survived by: Maria Chastain, second wife, Marc Chastain (Karen), son; Melissa Henry Parkey (Harold Parkey), daughter; Kathryn Chastain and Emma Chastain, Emily Cassidy, Molly and Luke Henry, grandchildren; Logan and Miles Cassidy, great grandsons, Charles Chastain, brother; Isabella Berry (Greg Berry), Cristina Williams, Daniel Smith, adult stepchildren; James, Iyan and Alaynna Williams, and Sophia and Sydney Berry, granddaughters. And many, many Chastain relatives in northern California.

He was preceded in death by: Rhoda Chastain wife and mother to Lydia, Marc and Melissa; Lydia Chastain, daughter; and by his brother Joseph and sisters Marjorie and Elizabeth.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations to The American Cancer Society in the fight against Leukemia (for his daughter, Lydia) or the Alzheimer's Association.

Paul's final wishes will be honored by the family in a private ceremony.