Paul Russell

Paul Vernon Russell entered into the kingdom of heaven on April 8th after a short battle with liver disease.

Paul was born on October 1, 1971, at an Army base in Frankfurt, Germany, and he spent his early years in Clovis, New Mexico, before moving to Colorado Springs. He graduated from Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, where he played football and baseball. 

Paul met Shelly, his wife of 27 years, at Baylor University and they have two children, Jake and Clem. Paul’s first love was his family. His love for his wife Shelly shone through on the hardest days, and he constantly bragged about her work as an educator. Paul’s two children were bright lights in his life. He coached every team throughout their youth and cheered them on from the stands. He was endlessly proud of Jake’s accomplishments in swimming, as well as his drive to create a world around him that all other worlds could fit into. Paul relished every conversation with Clem, remarking always on Clem’s intellect, passion, and acute awareness of the disparities in the world and the context needed to understand them. Pouring his values of hard work and self-sacrifice into his family, Paul taught each of us to be a good person.

Paul never knew a stranger. His kindness and generosity spread light in his workplace throughout the years, leaving a legacy of friendships that span time and distance. His genuine care and support impacted countless people of all ages. Paul’s favorite places to visit included the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and the beaches of Florida and the Caribbean, where you might find him watching March Madness after hours with a group he just met. Back home, he listened to feel-good music, played not-too-serious golf, and cheered on the Nuggets and all things Baylor. He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Paul is survived by his wife Shelly, children Jake and Clem, dog Bear, his mother Judy, and his brother Chris. Paul was preceded in death by his father Jim, and his beloved Papaw and Mamaw. 

Services will be held on April 13 at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home, 5303 E. County Line Road, Littleton, CO 80122. Memorial service begins at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow until 5:30 pm. If you are not able to attend, please visit the following link to view recorded services: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=4845fc9a-c324-4b48-ad33-ad2fd185f1aa