The Inola Public Schools family and the entire Longhorn community are mourning the loss of Paul David Gruenberg, a beloved educator, coach, administrator, mentor, and friend whose life was deeply intertwined with Inola Public Schools and the community he served.
Gruenberg passed away Monday, September 28, 2026, following a hard-fought battle with liver cancer. He was 65 years old.
For generations of Longhorns, Mr. G. was much more than an administrator. He was a coach who encouraged his athletes, a principal who knew his students, a mentor who invested in teachers and staff, and a friend whose humor, energy, and unmistakable personality made an impact on countless lives.
Paul first became a Longhorn in 1993 as a teacher and coach. After seven years, he left Inola to serve as an administrator in another district, but his connection to Inola was far from over. He returned to Inola Public Schools in 2008 as high school principal, beginning another chapter of service to the school and community. In 2022, after 36 years in education, he retired as high school principal.
Retirement, however, did not keep Paul far from the Longhorn family. He later returned to serve Inola Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent, continuing to dedicate his experience, knowledge, and passion for education to the district.
Paul's career was defined by his love for students and his belief in the importance of education. According to his obituary, he spent the majority of his career serving students, teachers, families, and communities through Chelsea and Inola Public Schools. He coached for many years before moving into administration and continued to make a difference in the lives of those around him.
Those who knew Paul will remember his laughter, his stories, his humor, his wisdom, his stubborn determination, and his ability to make people feel like they belonged. He had a way of bringing energy into a room and leaving an impression wherever he went.
But perhaps the greatest measure of Paul's legacy can be found in the people he influenced.
He leaves behind generations of former students and athletes, colleagues, teachers, administrators, families, and friends who were fortunate enough to know him. His impact reaches far beyond the positions he held. He was a husband, father, Papa, coach, educator, mentor, colleague, and friend.
Paul's family described him as a man who loved deeply and lived with tremendous heart. He loved his family fiercely, loved his work, loved his students and athletes, loved sports, loved to laugh, and treasured his role as Papa.
The Inola community will have an opportunity to come together to celebrate Paul's life and legacy during a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 3, in the Inola High School Gymnasium.
While the Longhorn family grieves the loss of one of its own, we also celebrate a life that touched so many.
Paul Gruenberg spent his life serving others. His legacy will live on in the students he coached, the educators he mentored, the schools he served, and the countless people who were proud to call him a Longhorn.
Once a Longhorn, always a Longhorn.
Inola Public Schools extends its deepest condolences to Paul's wife, Heather, his children and grandchildren, his extended family, and all who loved him.
He will be deeply missed.
https://www.ricefuneralservice.com/obituaries/Paul-D-Gruenberg?obId=49710881