Paul Louis Toran, Sr.

1962 ~ 2026

Date of Death: February 21, 2026

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In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Toran Family. Paul's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Paul Louis Toran, Sr.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

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Paul Louis Toran, Sr., 63, was born on June 26, 1962, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the late Hester Nation and Clarence Toran. He peacefully passed away on February 21, 2026.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Steve Toran, Deborah Harris, and Lawrence Toran Sr.

He received his early education in the Fort Smith Public Schools system, attending Howard Elementary School, Darby Junior High School, and Northside High School, where he graduated in 1980. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge and technical skills, Paul earned a Certificate in Automotive Technology in 1991 and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology in 1992 from Westark Community College, now known as the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. In 2014, he further expanded his expertise by earning a degree in Auto Collision Repair from Arkansas Tech University – Ozark.

After graduating from high school, Paul began working alongside his father at the Federal Compress. He later dedicated 25 years of service to Whirlpool Corporation, working in general production. Following his tenure at Whirlpool, Paul continued his work at Trane and Hickory Springs before joining the Fort Smith Public Schools District (FSPS).

During his time at FSPS, Paul served at Northside High School, Howard Elementary School, and Sutton Elementary School. His dedication and work ethic were widely recognized when he was honored as Sutton Elementary School’s Classified Employee of the Year in 2025.

Paul had a passion for auto mechanics and restoration, and he took great pride in sharing his skills with others. He was actively involved in the community, coaching AAU basketball and track, mentoring young athletes, and making a positive impact in their lives. Paul loved spending time with family and friends and was well known for hosting gatherings and cooking his famous chicken spaghetti, which many came to enjoy.

Paul leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 28 years, Pete; two sons, Paul Toran, Jr., and Maurice Hardgrave, both of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and his daughter, LaTasha Francis of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren.

He is further survived by his brothers, Clarence Toran of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Donald Toran, Eric Toran, and Phil Perry, Sr., all of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Jerry Perry of Arlington, Texas; and his sisters, Shirley Carter of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Clara Davis of Kansas City, Missouri, Dianne and Janette Johnson of Van Buren, Arkansas, Stephanie Henry of Grapevine, Texas, and Kimberly McKinley of Mansfield, Texas; his aunt, Rebecca Evans of Killeen, Texas, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will  cherish his memory.

Walk through visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday March 5, 2026; 10:00am to 7:00pm (family hour 5-7pm) Rowell-Parish Mortuary Chapel 611 North 9th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Celebration of life service will be Friday March 6, 2026; 11:00am New Covenant International Christian Center 4400 North "N" St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.

Burial and final resting place: Crown Hill Cemetery Van Buren, Arkansas 72956.