Paul D. Loree, 78, of Sweet Home passed away Wednesday quietly at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis, Oregon. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Roselene “Pete” Loree.

Paul was born in the Happy Home area of Linn County at the family home to Emmitt Loree and Grace Sylvester. He attended school in Sweet Home.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and met and married Roselene Marie Deen in 1955 in Sweet Home, Oregon while home on leave. During his military service, Paul traveled to exotic places such as Newfoundland, Alaska, Japan, Greece, Vietnam and Texas.

He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters as well as a Presidential Unit Citation and multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. He retired from the military as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1975 and returned to Sweet Home to be near friends and family.

Paul enjoyed golf and a good joke, loving nothing more than to share both with the people he loved. Paul never met a stranger and made everyone feel welcome and at home. He loved visiting with friends and family and was actively involved in the Sweet Home Elks and VFW. He was very proud of serving his country and actively supported those who protect and defend this great nation.

Paul is survived by: his wife, Pete; children, Keith (and wife, Kim), Ken (and wife, Karla), and Paula Loree (and husband, Mark Bottoroff); grandchildren, Aerwen, Kris, Paul Robert, Kraig, Kevin, Remy, James, Melanie, Taneesha, and Shilo; great grandchildren, Carneesha, Ambrosia, Issiah, Keith, and Paul; and sisters, Pearl, Della, and Doris. He is preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Gene, Bruce, Ed, and Delbert; and sisters, Marguerite and Era.

A memorial service will be held at the Sweet Home Elks Lodge on Thursday, 1 November 2012 at 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.