Memorial

Dr. Paul Leslie Degenaer of Yukon, Oklahoma passed away on June 23, 2026. He was born August 16, 1953, in Norway, Michigan to the late Jack and Gloria (Leslie) Degenaer.

Paul, known to his patients as Dr. D., graduated from Norway High School, class of 1971. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1975. After several years he decided to pursue a career in optometry and graduated from the College of Optometry at the University of Houston in 1992. He directed his passion for therapeutic optometry, Corneal and Contact Management by helping patients with their vision needs though his private practices located in McKinney, Texas, Paris, Texas, Wichita Falls, Texas and Plano, Texas.

In addition to his passion for optometry, Paul treasured his home in Norway, MI where he enjoyed walking along the river, fishing and kayaking down the Menominee River. He was an avid fencer, weekend golfer, sci-fi fanatic and a great conversationalist. He was a member of the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus, Council 6478, St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving sisters, Karen Degenaer and Jean Hess; his nieces Heidi Scalise and Holli Raja; nephew Zachary Hess and grand-niece Emily Scalise and grand-nephew, Zayden Raja; his long-time best friend, Janna Connolly, her cherished daughter Gillian Goodman, husband Darryl and their children Lauren and Ethan; and Lacey Connolly, daughter of Jon Connolly and Kristi Harris.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Gloria (Leslie) Degenaer, and brothers-in-law, Edward Farmer and Alan Hess.

Paul will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, professional colleagues, staff and more than 45,000 patients.

A memorial service was held at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 600 Garth Brooks Boulevard, Yukon, Oklahoma 73099 at 10 AM on July 18, 2026. Interment is at the Norway Township Cemetery, Norway, Michigan.