Paul Virgason, a beloved resident of Salina, KS, passed away on February 26, 2024, at the age of 62. He was born on October 2, 1961, in Wichita, KS.

Paul’s journey through life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. He was a loving father to his son TJ Virgason and daughter-in-law Amanda Virgason, as well as an “adopted” father to Bryan and Haylee Bowden and many other “adopted” children. His granddaughters, Kyra McGilvray and Morgan Virgason, were his pride and joy, bringing him immense happiness and fulfillment.

Paul was educated by the Salina school system, and he graduated as an edumacated man at Salina High School South and took the auto mechanics course at Salina Vo-tech.

In his professional life, Paul held many titles, and he enriched each workplace with his dedication and unrelenting sense of humor. He dedicated 28 years to Exline, followed by his “time served” at Tony’s Pizza Events Center (Bicentennial Center) and Central Kansas Salvage. He never forgot his musical roots and worked as a drummer for hire for several years, mostly hired by his son and friends on their various musical endeavors. The last few years of his life he spent studying the medical profession as a professional training dummy/medical marvel, flirting with nurses and doctors and being a part of the Nielson TV Family.

Paul was a frequent flyer of the Worship Service Only Club at CrossRoads Church. He attended almost every service for the last 4 years to show his continued support for his son. Paul was the best on-call mechanic everyone knew; his advice was always, “Hold your tongue just right, cuss it a few times and things tend to go how you need.” The “Dog House” was always open as a safe haven for all who needed comfort and care.

Paul’s diverse interests included a passion for animals, music, anything with a motor and his sobriety. Paul joined his son on the path of sobriety and was alcohol free for 2 years and 8 months. He was a die-hard KISS collector and a familiar face at many local shows. He spent a lot of free time sitting behind his beloved double-cannon Pearl drum kit rocking along with his massive Headbanger’s Ball VHS collection or behind the wheel of his truck, affectionately known as MYNE.

Paul spent many summers with friends traveling in “The Rolling Dog House.” He spent time teaching his son how to ride dirt bikes and quads in Waynoka, OK (Little Sahara Desert); weeklong camping trips with his buddies and loved to attend Country Stampede for the electric musical performances and colorful community.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Helen Sue Quinn; one grandchild; his biological brother, Wayne Barkus; his close friend, Robert McGilvray; and his fur babies, Shadow, Pasa, and Smokey; as well as his grand-dogs, Duchess, Tink, Buddy; and grand­cat Spazzy.

Paul is survived by his father, Lynn Virgason and mother, Helen Virgason; biological mother, Sue Webber; son, T. J. Virgason and daughter-in-law, Amanda Virgason; 2 granddaughters, Kyra McGilvray (Jennifer McGilvray-mother) and Morgan Virgason; siblings, Stephanie Virgason Chappelle, Donna Rozell, Greg Barkus; his dog, Dixie and his ferret, Ratt (Rosco), lovingly cared for by a family friend. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless other friends, “family” and souls touched by his genuine, caring, and selfless nature.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at CrossRoads Church in Salina, KS, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 3:30 PM. Please wear your favorite band shirt in Paul’s honor. The family expresses deep gratitude to all who have supported them during this difficult time, including the healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and community members who showed kindness and compassion.

In honoring Paul’s memory, let us remember his kindness, his humor, and his unwavering love for all those around him. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Paul’s legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Memorials may be made to the family, care of Ryan Mortuary.