Paul Douglas Hooten

Paul Douglas Hooten, 84, passed away on May 29, 2025. He was born on July 31, 1940, in Scottsville, Kentucky, to Zoland Ray and Delcie Lorene Hooten, both of whom preceded him in death. Paul was one of four siblings. He is survived by his brother, Bobbie, and is preceded in death by his sisters, Beatrice and Betty.

Paul attended several elementary schools during his childhood, as his family moved frequently due to his father’s work as a sharecropper. He graduated from Allen County High School in 1959. In 1961, shortly after finishing high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Navy. He served with honor until his discharge in 1964. Following his military service, he settled in California with his wife, Alice Teague (now deceased). Together, they welcomed their daughter, Tina Marie, and Paul lovingly adopted Alice’s son, Curtis Doy.

In 1985, Paul met his soulmate, LaVerne Faye (now deceased), at Parents Without Partners. They said it was love at first sight and they danced together all night. In 1986, they moved to Arizona for Paul’s civil service job and were married later that same year. Paul warmly welcomed LaVerne’s children: Lean Overley, Tom Burleson, and Cheryl Tami into his family.

Paul and LaVerne moved to Locust Grove Georgia in 2005 and enjoyed 35 happy years together before her passing in 2021. He was a fixture at the local Senior Center where he and LaVerne played cards, ate daily, attended social events, and shared many friendships.

After losing his soulmate, Paul moved back home to Kentucky in 2022 where he resided at Charter Senior Living Center in Bowling Green until his death. He was known there for his sense of humor, positive outlook, and the peanut M&M’s he always had and frequently shared with others. He developed many friendships at Charter and loved the entire staff who helped care for him.

Paul had many professions throughout his life. He worked at the family farm, served in the Navy, was an animal control officer, an accountant and real estate investor, and a professional story teller.

Paul had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He was often spending his spare time researching topics of interest or reading books. He enjoyed spending countless hours watching birds and squirrels on his porch regardless of weather. He enjoyed playing cards and whenever surrounded by company you could be sure he would seize the opportunity for a game of hand and foot.

Paul is lovingly survived and deeply missed by his brother, Bobbie Hooten, his devoted sister-in-law; Karen; and their children: Marnita "Marty" Brown, Marisa Smith, and Bobbie Hooten, Jr. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Beatrice and Betty. Beatrice’s children include Shirley Ann Soth and the late William Hogue. Betty’s children are Jeffery Bessinger, Gene Bessinger, and Holly Davis. Paul is also survived by his children and grandchildren: Tina Brown, and her daughters, Jennifer Mansfield and Emily Letson; Lean Overley, and her children, Mellissa Levandoski and Sean Storm; Tom Burleson, and his sons, Michael and Ryan Burleson; and Cheryl Tami, and her daughter, Christa Wilson. He will also be fondly remembered by his many great-grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy to his life.

Please visit Paul's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.