It is with heavy hearts that we share that our Uncle Paul passed away early Monday.

While he was still able to clearly express his wishes, Paul told us that he wanted to be laid to rest alongside his grandparents, parents, sister and brother. It would mean so much to our family to be able to honor this final wish.

My aunt is now mourning her high school sweetheart. They built a lifetime of memories together, and as she grieves the loss of her husband and best friend, our family is doing everything we can to honor the wishes he entrusted to us.

Music was the heartbeat of Paul's life. A gifted drummer from an early age, he played with several bands, including The Hard Times, before finding success with Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. He later spent several years performing with Flash Cadillac & The Continental Kids, doing what he loved most—sharing his gift of music with audiences everywhere. Whether he was on stage or behind the drums, Paul poured his heart into every performance.

One of my most treasured possessions is my very first teddy bear that he picked out for me as a baby. That little bear never left my side as a child, and I still have it today. It's much worse for wear after all these years, but it has endured—just like memories of Uncle Paul and the lasting impact he had on me.

Unfortunately, the cost of fulfilling Paul's final wish is more than our family can manage on our own. We want to honor his wish to be laid to rest with his grandparents, parents, sister snd brother while easing the financial burden on my aunt as she navigates this unimaginable loss.

If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Every gift, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to giving Paul the peaceful resting place he wanted and supporting the woman who loved him for a lifetime.

Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your generosity. Thank you for helping us celebrate a life filled with music, love, laughter, and cherished memories. We will carry Paul's rhythm in our hearts forever.

Our uncle Paul Wheatbread has always been a source of inspiration and joy in our family. In the late 60s, he played in a chart-topping band, sharing his music and passion with the world. Despite his success, the reality for many musicians of that era was tough—most didn’t earn much, didn’t own their own music, and lacked access to things like health care or pensions. Now, as he faces the challenges of kidney failure and Alzheimer’s, our family is doing everything we can to support him.

Recently, he moved into a care facility to get the help he needs, and he is now transitioning to hospice care. The costs for medical bills, hospice, and the facility are adding up quickly, and we’re also preparing for after-life care and funeral expenses. It’s a lot for our family to manage on our own, and we want to make sure he is comfortable and cared for every step of the way.

We’re reaching out to friends, family, and the community for support during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference for our uncle and help us honor the legacy of a man who gave so much through his music. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.