Paul Minoru Kohama

Paul Minoru Kohama, age 80, passed away on December 4, 2021 at his home in Gardena, California. Paul was born on January 31, 1941. One of nine children of Kiichi and Yuki Kohama, Paul was born in Woodland, California, where he spent the first years of his life, before moving to Gardena, California at a young age.

He graduated from Gardena High School, and then joined the U.S. Army. He served in the Vietnam war, where he fought and earned a purple heart. In the years following the war, he worked in the produce department and as a cashier clerk for different grocery stores, including Lucky's and Vons.

Paul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He married Jean and together they had two daughters, Kristine and Kari. He also had a stepson, Scott, from Jean's previous marriage. He is survived by his wife, Jean Kohama; stepson, Scott Uyeda (spouse Daisy Uyeda) and his two daughters, Kristine Kohama and Kari Miyashiro (spouse Edmund Miyashiro). He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Joseph Anthony Unsinn V and Ryan Barahona, and nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by all of his siblings.

In his earlier years he liked going to the racetrack and betting on the horse races. In his later years he enjoyed going to casinos and playing the slot machines. Paul enjoyed watching television, especially sports. Most evenings you would find him watching television in the living room. He was a quiet and kind man. He was always willing to help whenever someone needed a hand. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.