Paul Martin Cohagan

It is with profound sadness that the Cohagan Family shares the passing of Paul Martin Cohagan on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Memorial event information is available below. He was born in St Louis, Missouri to the late Tommy and Doris Cohagan (nee Dykes) of St. Louis, Missouri. Many will recall the Cohagan’s family operated business, Cindy’s Motel & Restaurant in Dardenne Prairie, MO.

Paul attended Missouri Military Academy (MMA) in Mexico, MO, graduating in 1979. Paul maintained lifelong friendships with an eclectic international crowd of MMA grads.

He served his country honorably as a Sergeant in the US Air Force, 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron and 305th Avionics Maintenance Squadron. He treasured memories made while deployed to Spangdahlem AFB, West Germany, supporting Cold War efforts. He dearly loved all those he served with and stayed connected with many throughout his lifetime.

Professionally, he worked as an Electrical and Communications Technician and was a proud brother in the IBEW Local No. 1 through 2015. He had a personal passion for audio technology (“Turn it up, Man”) and was an audiophile his whole life.

Paul was a self-taught percussionist playing in rock bands during his youth and various churches through adulthood. His air drumming was the stuff of legends. He regularly served on the worship team of Troy Presbyterian Church (now EPiC Church) in Troy, MO, for a number of years. The love and community he experienced as part of that congregation always remained precious in his heart.

Paul will always be remembered for his singular sense of humor and fun nature. He was a prankster who loved goofy antics and making people laugh. He was known to some as Paul “I forgot my wallet” Cohagan, countless lighters walked away in his pocket and he would often start conversations with his signature, “I’ll tell you what…”.

Paul Cohagan was a fan of all things MOPAR and the incomparable St. Louis Blues. He loved watching St Louis Cardinals baseball and was excited for his late-life team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Paul was a sensitive soul that wrote music, poetry and stories and drew incredibly detailed hot rods cars in his personal time.

He was an avid concert attendee, attending shows with many in his life across the country and abroad. Paul had an encyclopedic knowledge of rock musicians and groups through the years.

Paul is survived by his son, Patton Myles Cohagan of Middleburg, FL; mother of their son, Hope Waggett; sister Laura Cohagan; sister Irene (nee Cohagan) and James Babula; nephews Eric (Ashley) and Andy (Megan) Babula. Cousins: Sandi Simpkins, Karen Graham, Joni Hendricks- Dreyer, Glen & Kurt Dykes of Illinois.

Financial gifts toward funeral arrangements or in support of his son, Patton Cohagan, can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-patton-cohagan-after-loss-of-father

Memorial services will be held in Orange Park, FL, on April 21, 2026 and in a future event in Missouri.

Memorial and Birthday Celebration: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Splitz (bowling, arcade, bar & grill), 6155 Youngerman Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32244 from 5pm to 8pm ET.