Paul Hiromi Nonaka, 90, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away on May 17, 2024, at The Villages of Jackson Creek. Born to Jinkurō and Takano Nonaka on July 9, 1933, in Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii, Paul was the ninth of ten siblings and grew up on the family farm. He came to the mainland to attend college, establishing his family life and career as a dentist in Missouri.
Paul arrived in the Midwest in 1951. Before completing his education, he served for two years in the U.S. Army. He graduated from the University of Kansas City (currently UMKC) on June 1, 1963, and married Myrna Jones on June 2. Paul was certified to practice dentistry in both Hawaii and Missouri. In November of 1963, the couple set up their home in Buckner, where Paul established his dental practice and served generations of families who affectionately called him “Doc.”
Paul and Myrna had two children: Angela Miyuki and Aaron Hiromi Nonaka. Paul was a devoted father who supported his children in all phases of their lives, fully recognizing and appreciating his children’s different talents, needs, and personalities. When Aaron was growing up, he and his father shared a love of tennis, table tennis, and judo. Active members of the local table tennis and judo clubs, their enthusiasm took them to competitions in other states. Meanwhile, as Angela undertook formal study of Japanese at KU, Dad, a lifelong learner, taught himself to read and write basic Japanese, which expanded his karaoke repertoire.
Downing doughnuts and wielding duct tape, Paul crisscrossed the country and ventured abroad to help his adult children move, repair, remodel, and build their lives. In retirement he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who cherish the many life lessons taught by their Papa.
He is survived by his two children, Angela and Aaron (Michelle) Nonaka; five grandchildren Danielle Mitsuki (Tommy) Aloi, Tori Michie Nonaka, Brenna Miyuki Nonaka, Shawn Hiromi Reed Nonaka, and Brendan Hiromi Nonaka; two great-grandchildren, Thomas and Liliana Mika Aloi; a sister, Clara McCollum; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
The family will welcome guests at visitation at the Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove on Thursday, May 30, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. There will be a private burial the following day in Clinton.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441
Deyanira Flores
27 May 2024Dear Angela, Aaron, Michelle and family,
Please receive our heart-felt condolences on the passing of your beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Our heart is with you in this moment of deep grief.
Thank you, Dr. Nonaka, for the beautiful and rare example of your life, as a great person, always kind and warm with all those who came near you, a dedicated odontologist, and an extraordinary father, always close and ready to help your children in a myriad of ways with affectionate and effective love! May you rest in peace in God’s loving arms!
Thank you, Angela and Aaron, for the most loving, caring, devoted, selfless way in which you have taken care of your dear Dad to the very end. What a joy for him to know that his love for you was fully corresponded by your love for him! Your shining example has left a deep impression in us.
The Flores Family.
Mike & Malinda Jones
10 Jun 2024Angela, Aaron and Michelle, we are sending you our deepest sympathy and prayers. Your Dad, grandfather and great grandfather was such a wonderful person and always upbeat and smiling! We know he will be dearly missed. May God Bless all of you and help you get through your grief. Sincerely, Mike & Malinda Jones