Paul Corcoran

Paul Joseph Corcoran, 75, left this world on Friday, 21 March 2025, as his daughter held his hand. Born 29 October 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri to William Thomas and Dorothy Lillian (Cox) Corcoran, Paul dedicated his life to education and spreading kindness.

As a teacher in the Lawrence School District for 47 years, Paul ‘never worked a day’ in his life. He spent 35 years teaching 5th and 6th grade math in the exact same corner classroom at Deerfield Elementary with a window full of Jayhawk memorabilia and various pets including a classroom tarantula named Betty. When 6th grade moved up to middle school, Paul followed his students to West, and brought along his belief that education shouldn't be one-size-fits-all by cultivating an environment where students could thrive according to their individual learning styles. Unlike many teachers, Paul dreaded summers, but eventually found joy in the off-season by helping the custodial staff on his own time. Teaching was the core of his identity-his true calling in life. As a bit of a misfit himself, Paul possessed a remarkable gift for seeing each student as a unique individual, recognizing their strengths, and making it his personal mission to understand his ‘kids’ and provide a safe space for them to learn and grow.

His hi-vis personality and goofiness-without an ounce of embarrassment-endeared him to all who knew him. The Lawrence community might remember Paul cycling up Lawrence Avenue, impossible to miss with his blinking lights, neon jerseys-occasionally wearing a kilt over his cycling shorts on his way to school. Fellow cyclists might also recall him manning the registration table at countless Octoginta and Lizard Under the Skillet rides, passionately-albeit annoyingly-refusing to start registration until his watch struck the exact time indicated on the registration fliers. Away from his bike, Paul could be spotted driving with his windows rolled down, wearing a mambo sock on his head, singing the oldies while playing the seatbelt guitar as he transported his kids to and from countless KU football and basketball games. He could also be found putting on a show by juggling various items in the produce section at Dillons on 6th & Lawrence Ave-in which his kids felt absolutely zero embarrassment ever (we swear).

He was a squirrel master, a lawn mower, a creek walker, a paint your house while you're out of town-er, a rom-com lover, a Broadway showtuner, a raw cookie dough snacker, a ‘whatever Kevin's having’ restaurant orderer, a bear hug giver, an ‘old fat man soccer player,’ a Rockets cheerleader, and a kitchen gadget collector with extras to share. An unshakeable optimist, craftsman, and a let's find out-er, Paul organized, fixed and tinkered-always finding one last tweak to make.

Paul was a nurturer to anyone who felt like an outcast and a friend to anyone who needed one. A sweetheart and a safe place, he was a motivator and an ally who loved gassing people up. And of all the ways in which his family would want him to be remembered, it's as an aggressively kind human who wanted to see and uplift everyone for who they are wherever they're at in life.

Paul is survived by his children, Mary Corcoran Crawford (‘Sugar Bear’) and Kevin Corcoran (‘Scooter’); their partners, Michael Crawford and Shanti Peruman; grandson, Milo Joseph; ex-wife, Anna Kraxner; his siblings, Ann, Sue, John, Kay, Jim, Mark, and Jane; dozens of nieces and nephews; and thousands of students he counted as bonus kids. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and younger brother Tom.

Mary and Kevin will be hosting a Celebration of Life to honor their father's legacy on Friday, May 23rd from 3-7 pm at Venue 1235 in Lawrence, KS and invite any and all who knew him to come raise a glass in his honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lawrence Schools Foundation's Meal Support Fund by including Paul's name in your donation.