Paul Lorentzen

Paul Coats Lorentzen 82, was welcomed into Heaven March 15, 2020 in St. George, Utah. He was born December 20, 1937 in Oildale California to loving parents Laura Marie Coats and Paul Williams Lorentzen.

Paul a hall of fame graduate from Newport Harbor High, lettered and excelled in basketball, baseball and football.Paul followed his beloved coach Hal Irwin to Orange Coast College, before going onto play at San Jose State. Upon graduating he received an invite to play for the Baltimore Colts. Just 3 days before heading to training camp, Paul was drafted into the US Army. He served with honor and pride. Upon completing his service, Paul continued his education at Occidental College and became a teacher. Mostly so he could coach football. Paul's football coaching days began at Rancho Alamitos High School and took him as far north as Twain Harte.

Paul joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints November 1976. He embraced the teachings of gospel and BYU football. He enjoyed attending cougar games wherever they played.

As much as Paul loved football he loved his family that much more. He truly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports or watching them perform in the theater. He was their biggest fan. He was always a cheering supporter and never a critic.

When not on a field, in a gym or theater Paul would be on the road visiting his family and friends in California and Oregon or just enjoying the scenic beauty of Southern Utah. Paul inherited the love of cooking from his father and was always looking for ways to perfect his family favorite chili beans or thinking of different ways to make a meat loaf.

All his accomplishments on the field could not measure up to what he accomplished for his family. Paul is survived by his eternal companion Susan Kay Nealy, son Paul Nealy (Eva) Lorentzen, daughters Karen Lorentzen-Fox, Kristin Lee (Nathan) Burden, and son Robert Coats (Tina) Lorentzen. He has 15 grand children and 1 great grandson with two great granddaughters on the way. Paul had three younger siblings, Diane Jones, Terry Lorentzen, Mark Lorentzen and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 1 pm Saturday March 21, at Tonaquint Cemetery.