Paul Allen Paulson

Paul Allen Paulson, age 91, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026 in his home, from congestive heart failure, surrounded by his two loving daughters, Lynne Ann and Debra Kay.

Paul was born on July 6, 1935, in Stanfield, Minnesota, to John and Elsie Mary Treichel Paulson. He was the thirteenth of fifteen children, growing up in a large family with eight brothers and six sisters. His siblings were William Albert, Grace Lucille, Robert Carlton, Lyle Warren, Frances Marion, Blanche Mae, Elizabeth Mary, John Charles, Arthur LeRoy, Marjorie Louise, Dorothy Jean, Doris Elsie, Kenneth Wayne, and James Loren. Growing up in such a large family taught Paul the importance of hard work, family, and looking out for one another.

Paul spent his early childhood in and around Cambridge, Minnesota, where he attended school through the second grade. His family later moved to a farm south of Cambridge, where he continued his education in a small, one-room schoolhouse. Life on the farm helped shape the strong work ethic and determination that would remain with him throughout his life.

In 1948, Paul's brothers Art and John, along with his sister Marge, traveled west to Utah to attend Brigham Young University. In the fall of 1949, Paul's parents followed with the rest of the family, originally intending only to visit. However, after experiencing the welcoming people and milder climate, his father accepted work in Kamas, Utah, and the family decided to make Utah their new home. His mother later returned to Minnesota to sell the family farm and bring their belongings west.

Paul attended South Summit High School in Kamas, beginning in the ninth grade. Although adjusting from a one-room schoolhouse to a larger school was challenging, he quickly grew to love the area, the friendships he made, and the opportunities to participate in activities associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During high school, Paul had hoped to try out for the football team but was unable to do so because of an injury. Instead, he became a cheerleader and proudly earned a letter in cheerleading.

After graduating from high school and seminary, Paul traveled to Reno, Nevada, where he worked for the United States Forest Service. His responsibilities included fire suppression, clearing roads, removing fallen trees, maintaining telephone lines, and repairing lookout towers. He later worked at a lumberyard before returning to Utah in October 1953.

Upon returning to Orem, Paul worked at Handy Texaco in Provo, where he met his friend Dick Anderson. Throughout his working years, he also held positions at the BF Goodrich store on University Avenue, Cream O Weber Dairy, and Hercules in Salt Lake City. Paul went on to own and operate Falker Tires for 20 years, dedicating himself to building and running his business. Paul was never afraid of hard work and took pride in providing for his family.

One of the most meaningful chapters of Paul's life began when he met the love of his life, Carol May Richins, who worked for the telephone company. The two went on a blind date to Lagoon, where they enjoyed a performance by the Four Aces Quartette. That first date marked the beginning of a lifetime together. Paul and Carol were married on April 23, 1955, in Reno, Nevada.

Their first home was a basement apartment in Carol's parents' home, where they lived for three years. During that time, they welcomed their first daughter, Lynne Ann, followed later by their second daughter, Debra Kay. With two young children, Paul and Carol moved a few blocks away into a newly built home near the river bridge, where they would spend the next 69 years creating a lifetime of memories together.

Paul and Carol were blessed with a loving family. His children include Lynne (Gerald) Anderson, Mike (Marie) Wells, Scott Wells, Debbie Atkinson, and Chris (Teresa) Wells. Paul was surrounded by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy throughout his life. He loved his family dearly and took great pride in watching each new generation grow.

Throughout their marriage, Paul and Carol enjoyed traveling and making memories with family and friends. When Lynne Ann was 10 years old, the family drove to Disneyland. In 1972, they traveled to Coeur d'Alene for a family reunion. Other memorable family vacations included trips to Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Denver, and a visit to the Coors Beer Factory.

Paul and Carol also shared many adventures with their friends. They enjoyed traveling to all seven Hawaiian islands with Jack and Sharon Salmon, taking a Caribbean cruise, and visiting Bouchard Gardens in Washington with the Falker Tires managers. Later in life, they especially enjoyed spending time at Lynne's cabin at Bear Lake, where they could relax and enjoy being with family.

Faith was an important part of Paul's life. On their wedding anniversary in 1992, Paul and Carol were sealed in the Provo Temple. During retirement, they both served in the Provo Temple, where Carol worked in temple clothing distribution for a year. Their shared faith and dedication to one another remained an important part of their lives together.

Paul and Carol purchased a fifth wheel and loved traveling to St. George, where they stayed at Winter Haven to escape the cold weather. While Carol enjoyed playing cards with friends, Paul could often be found golfing, swimming, or riding his bike. They treasured the friendships they made and the many happy times spent together.

One particularly special memory was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at Chuck-A-Rama with family. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their years of marriage and the family they had built together.

Paul found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He loved working in his yard, sitting on the back porch, and enjoying the warm summer weather. He also enjoyed watching his favorite television programs, including Judge Judy, The Price Is Right, and Jeopardy! An enthusiastic sports fan, Paul loved watching PGA golf, NBA basketball, NFL football, and, most importantly, BYU football.

Above all, Paul loved having his family around him. One of his greatest joys was watching his great-grandchildren run through the house, laughing and playing hide-and-seek. His home was a place filled with family gatherings, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Paul is survived by his children, Lynne (Gerald) Anderson, Mike (Marie) Wells, Scott Wells, Debbie Atkinson, and Chris (Teresa) Wells; along with many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members. He is also survived by his three siblings, Marjorie Louise, Doris Elsie, and James Loren.

Paul will be remembered for his strong work ethic, devotion to his family, love of travel, faith, and appreciation for the simple joys of life. He leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories and a legacy of love that will continue through the many generations of his family.

Paul will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.