Paul Lynn Yarnell

Paul Lynn Yarnell, 84, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Mid Valley Hospital in Omak, WA. Paul was born February 29, 1940 in Tonasket, WA to Guy and Orla (Kirchner) Yarnell. A life-long resident of Okanogan County, Paul grew up in Palmer Lake, Tonasket and Okanogan. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961. Paul worked various jobs prior to his career in law enforcement. He started at the Omak City Police, climbing the ranks to Sergeant. Paul took a brief break and worked for Double O Canopy and drove school buses. He then worked at Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Deputy (back then they were called Jailors). He retired from the County after 20 years. He couldn’t seem to sit still and worked as a handyman for Whitley Fuel and Mid Valley Clinic for many years. During this time, Paul married Karen Arns and settled down in Omak in 1966. They had two children together, David and Deanne. That marriage was not to last and Paul soon met and married the love of his life, Cathy (Millner) Lairmore in 1984. She brought three young adults to the marriage; Jim, Cheryl and Bob. Paul and Cathy enjoyed camping and traveling around the states. Cathy was quick to adopt Paul’s love of Nash Metropolitans and they enjoyed showing off their custom-built Mets. Both were members of the Friendly OK Car Club in Omak, Pacific NW Metropolitan Owners Club and the Metropolitan Owners Club of North America. Survivors include his wife Cathy Yarnell of Omak; son David (Beth) Yarnell of Omak; daughter Deanne Yarnell of Omak; stepson Jim (Anne) Lairmore of Leander, TX; stepdaughter Cheryl (Gary) Dyas of Mission Viejo, CA; stepson Bob (Christine) Lairmore of McKinney, TX; six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Brother Gene (Joy) Yarnell of Clarkston, WA; sister Joanne Huntley of Clarkston, WA; sister Vicky (Mike) Edmonson of Weippe, ID; sister Marilyn Hall of Ralls, TX; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Orla; brothers, Earl and Neal; and sister, Carol Iverson. There will be a graveside service at 10 a.m. at the Tonasket City Cemetery on July 19. 2024. Weather permitting, the family encourages friends and family to arrive in their favorite classic cars.

Paul Lynn Yarnell

February 29, 1940 - June 8, 2024