Paul Yukio Onishi

Paul Yukio Onishi, 93, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in Paul, Idaho to Tsunematsu “Tom” and Sue Okazaki Onishi on November 16, 1931.

Paul Joined the United States Army in June of 1956, attending Airborne School in Ft. Campbell Kentucky. He rose to the rank of Private First Class during his enlistment and earned his Parachutist Badge and Good Conduct Medal.

Paul would spend his mornings at the Becky Ann Café where he would enjoy good coffee and good company while discussing the latest news regarding crops and their respective prices. On occasion, lively card games would ensue and the rambunctious characters that frequented Becky Ann’s could cause quite the scene. Paul never met a stranger; he knew everyone and always remembered their names.

Paul was a proud farmer and he loved and studied the land. If he took on a task, he would do it to the very best of his ability. He tended his crops of hay, potatoes, beets, and beer barley meticulously. When it came time to sell, he had the quantities, prices memorized – a testament to his sharp mind, attention to detail, and his strong work ethic.

When Paul had time away from farming, he could be found at either the local bowling alley, the local fishing hole, or spending time with his family. Time away from the farm meant soaking up some sun and warm weather in Nevada with his beautiful wife, Peggy, or loading the family in the motorhome for a trip out of town. He also enjoyed golfing with his friends in the warm desert air.

Paul cherished his Japanese heritage and the discipline, strong work ethic, and respect for elders that it instilled in him. Paul did his best to ensure that these qualities were passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Peggy Louise Onishi; his sons Darren Onishi of Paul, ID and Greg Onishi of Blackfoot, ID; his daughter Kris and Randy Sluder of Pocatello, ID; and grandchildren, Cheyenne Onishi, Nick and Cherydan Onishi Bywater, Kai Sluder and Kameron Sluder and many more nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sue and Tom Onishi, brothers and sisters Sunny Onishi, Harry Onishi, Bobby Onishi, Susie Shigahara, Sumie Hata, Tomie Miya, Mary Ogawa, Dorothy Terao, and Lillian Ishida.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 am at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 West Chubbuck Rd., Chubbuck, ID 83202.

A church service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Paul Community Church, 127 W Clark St, Paul, ID 83347.