Paul Wayne Eaton

Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home is not handling the services for Michael Rasmussen. We are posting the obituary as a courtesy to the family.

Paul Wayne Eaton, our beloved brother ,son, uncle and nephew passed away on January 23, 2026, at his home in Roseburg, Oregon. Paul was born on September 4, 1967, in Torrance, California, to Dannie and Diane Eaton.

As the son of a Navy man, Paul moved frequently throughout his childhood, living in Hawaii, California, Washington, and Utah before finally putting down roots in Roseburg, Oregon. He attended and graduated from Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, Washington.

Paul had a wonderful sense of humor and a natural gift for making people laugh. One of his favorite jokes was telling his nieces and nephews that his favorite color was “metallic clear” — a small but perfect example of the playful spirit he carried throughout his life. His laughter was contagious, his smile sincere, and his presence brought light into every room he entered.

Paul was kind and generous — sometimes to a fault. Though he never had much materially, he possessed an enormous heart. If someone needed a coat, shoes, or clothing, Paul would give away his own without hesitation, even when he needed them just as much. Helping others wasn’t something he planned — it was simply who he was.

Paul had a deep love for animals, especially cats. Over the years, he shared his life with cherished companions Toodles, Ginger, and most recently Yoda. These beloved cats were truly his world and were lovingly referred to as his “children.” They brought him comfort, companionship, and joy, and he gave them unconditional love in return.

Paul was an active and devoted member of the AA community in Roseburg, Oregon. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the members who walked beside him on his journey — offering encouragement, accountability, friendship, and hope. That community gave Paul purpose and connection, and he valued those relationships deeply.

Family meant everything to Paul. He spoke with his mother and stepfather, George — whom he proudly and lovingly called “Dad” — nearly every day. He never missed his weekend calls with his brother, Aaron. Paul also shared a special and tender bond with his grandmothers, Betty and Lavonna, whom he loved beyond words and who loved him just as fiercely in return.

Outside of family and his cats, Paul’s passions included ’80s rock and roll, classic movies, cheering on the Seattle Seahawks, and enthusiastically supporting anything his brother Aaron enjoyed. If Aaron loved it, Paul loved it too — simply because it brought his brother happiness.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Dannie Eaton; grandparents Paul and Lavonna Eaton and Wayne and Betty DeVaul; and his beloved niece, Jaree Eaton, whom he carried in his heart always.

He is survived by his mother and dad, Diane and George Smylie of Elma, Washington; his brother Aaron (Jeanette) Eaton; nephews Devin (Kimberly) Eaton and Nicholas (Darian) Eaton; niece Kaylee Eaton; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends who were blessed to know him.

Paul will be remembered for his generous heart, gentle soul, quick wit, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. His kindness left quiet footprints everywhere he went. Though he is no longer with us, the love he gave continues to live on in every life he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that each of you perform small acts of kindness in Paul’s name and spirit — continuing the compassion, generosity, and love he shared so freely throughout his life.

In the spirit of Paul’s recovery journey, we share this AA reminder he lived by:

“One day at a time.” — Alcoholics Anonymous