Paul E. Forio

A celebration of life for Paul Edgar Forio, 57, Lawrence, will be at 1:00 on February 15 at The University of Kansas Alumni Center in Lawrence.

Paul died unexpectedly on January 18, 2014.

He was born on November 22, 1956 in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Robert and Betty Forio.

Paul attended the University of Kansas where he received his BS in Journalism and his MS in Higher Education Administration. Paul served as a media liaison for the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, worked at the University of Kansas Division of Continuing Education, and enjoyed a career in real estate.

He was active in his community through Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Hilltop Child Development Center, Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, and Kids Voting Douglas County.

Paul shared over 32 years of marriage with his wife and best friend, Dana J. Olsen. He was extremely loving and proud of his children, a daughter, Kendal Smith and husband, Tanner Smith of Syracuse, KS and a son, Devin Forio, Lawrence, KS. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Milli Olsen, Lawrence, KS; his sister-in-law, Jodde Lanning, of Overland Park, KS; a brother-in-law, Tod Olsen and wife, Karen, Camarillo, CA; his stepmother, Judy Forio of Atlanta, GA; and his three sisters, Judy Forio, Molly Morrison, and Linda Dial.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bobby Forio, as well as his father-in-law, Ronald Olsen.

Paul was a very charismatic, easy-going, and humorous man. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, shooting pool, and riding his motorcycle. His family hopes that his friends and loved ones will always remember his sense of humor and kind heart.

A Paul Forio Memorial Fund has been established at Mainstreet Credit Union, located at 1001 E. 23rd Street, Lawrence, KS or in The Merc. Other memorial contributions may be sent to the Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, 720 Connecticut Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 or Headquarters Counseling Center, 211 E. 8th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

15 Condolences

  1. Stephanie Struble on January 20, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    Dana, Devin and Kendal –
    My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. You are in our prayers.



  2. Mary Ann Deck on January 21, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    I enjoyed working with Paul back in the day at Lawrence Realty. He was a very sweet guy. I’m so sorry for your loss.



  3. Lisa Mann on January 23, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    I worked with Paul at Lawrence Realty and he was such a breath of fresh air and so thoughtful. Prayers to you and your family.

    Lisa, Mike, ans Spencer Mann



  4. Dave & debbie Lopez on January 24, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    Hello Dana, we are so sorry for your loss, what little time we spent with you was enough to know you were both wonderful people, you are in our thoughts and prayers
    Dave & Debbie Lopez



  5. Craig and Julie Branstrom on January 25, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    Dana, Devin and Kendal,
    We are thinking of you all and praying for you at this time. We are so very sorry for your loss.



  6. Paul & Jane Moseley & Family on January 25, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    Dana, Kendal & Devin,
    We were so very sad to hear of Paul’s unexpected passing, but we have such fond memories of him and his excitement during LHS baseball season when Devin & Landon played together. He was such a wonderful guy, always a smile on his face!
    Take care of yourselves and know your family is in our prayers.

    Paul & Jane Moseley
    & Family



  7. The Rettigs on January 25, 2014 at 10:44 pm

    Our hearts go out to Dana, Kenny and Devin during this time of sorrow. Paul was a special man and we will always be grateful to have known him. It warms our hearts to remember those days when the kids were young together. Special times and special memories.



  8. Alice Clayton on January 26, 2014 at 9:54 am

    Dana, please know you, Kendal and Devin are on my heart and in my prayers. Sending love to you!



  9. Dean Gore on January 26, 2014 at 10:43 am

    Devin,
    My thoughts are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss
    Dean Gore



  10. Ted Jester on January 26, 2014 at 11:20 am

    Dana, so saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. We enjoyed many rounds of golf, laughs, and fellowship together working at LRA. He had a gentle and kind spirit and genuinely cared about people. My condolences to you and Paul’s families.



  11. Terry Dunn on January 26, 2014 at 5:55 pm

    I haven’t seen Paul since we were good friends @ Spalding Jr. High School in Griffin, Georgia. I remember him most for making me aware that doing stupid stuff was just that … stupid. I am awed by his list of accomplishments. To be a friend of mine, you had to be a special person … and he was. RIP my brother.



  12. Suzi and Peter Peerbolte on January 26, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    I will be with you soon…you know how much you are loved. Paul’s wit and dry sense of humor reminded me of Daddy. 🙂 Peter always wanted to play a few rounds of golf with Paul…there will be plenty of holes-in-one in heaven!



  13. Tom Malcolm on January 26, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    Dana and family:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

    Sincerely

    Tom Malcolm



  14. Chris Davis and Family on January 26, 2014 at 10:39 pm

    Dana, Kendal, Devin

    Our thoughts are with you. Paul always had a smile and a positive thought. Peace….

    Chris, Lisa, Bobby, Carly, DJ



  15. Susie Harwood on February 17, 2014 at 9:17 pm

    Dana, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Paul. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.



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