Paul Steven Howell

It’s impossible to describe a man who loved so unconditionally and cared for others so deeply. Paul loved music and spent so many of his days listening to tapes and vinyls, then CDs, and eventually even an iPod. He enjoyed a range of artists and genres from Blondie and Fleetwood Mac to Zeppelin, Meatloaf, and Ozzy, to Queen, Shakira, Andrea Bocelli, and his favorite- Janis Joplin. With help from some of Paul’s favorite songs, we can recount the soundtrack of a life so deeply loved and lived.

 “California Dreamin’” – The Mamas and Papas, 1966. Paul was born in Oxnard, California, where he grew up surrounded by the love of his wonderful mother and father, Georgette and Bob Howell, and the companionship of his beloved brothers, Edward and George. Those early years were filled with sunshine, drives along the coast, music, and, of course, getting lost in a book. His father, Bob, told the story of how he’d take Paul and his brothers to play baseball and Paul would watch balls fly over his head as he read, sitting criss-cross in the outfield. He also loved spending time in the kitchen with his Baba, who taught him to cook and passed down family recipes that he would later pass down to his children.

“Leavin’ on a Jet Plane” – Peter, Paul, and Mary, 1967. In 1973, Paul began a new chapter when he and two sons left California and moved to Wyoming. From there, the Air Force took them on new adventures- first to England, then to Germany, and eventually back to the United States, where they settled in Colorado Springs in 1987. Paul loved collecting handmade sculptures, art, and memories with his sons.

“I Wanna Rock” – Twisted Sister, 1988. Paul’s years with his sons, Robert and Steven, were full of change and adventure. He worked tirelessly, always hoping they would feel loved, protected, and ready for the world. He passed on his love of cooking, good music, sports, and an adventurous spirit.

“Teach Your Children” – Crosby, Stills, & Nash, 1970. After his service in the Air Force, Paul retired in 1994. His last duty station was in Colorado Springs, where he decided to stay and began yet another meaningful chapter. True to his lifelong curiosity and love of learning, he went back to school to earn his education degree. He then became a fifth-grade teacher at Stratmoor Hills Elementary School, a role he filled with dedication, patience, understanding, and silliness. For almost two decades, he gave his students the gift of his time, humor, knowledge, and his generous heart.

“You’ll Be in My Heart” – Phil Collins, 1999. In the 1990s, Paul’s life grew fuller when he became a father again to Brandon and Kelly. Already a devoted dad to Robert and Steven, Paul now entered a new season of fatherhood with the same steady love, patience, and open heart that defined him. After raising three boys, Paul’s daughter unlocked a gentler, more sensitive and patient piece of his heart.

“Don’t Stop Me Now” — Queen, 1978. In 2016, Paul retired from teaching and began a new chapter, one filled with family, freedom, curiosity, and joy. After years of serving his country and nearly two decades of guiding his students, he stepped into retirement with the same open heart and lively spirit that had carried him through every season of life. This was the era of Paul as a grandpa who rocked. He read, explored, discovered new hobbies and recipes, and found happiness in the simple pleasures of each day. Whether he was spending time with his nine grandchildren, sharing stories, listening to music, cheering on his Rockies, Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche teams, or setting off on another small adventure, Paul continued to live with wonder, humor, and love.

“Perhaps Love” – John Denver and Plácido Domingo, 1981. One of Paul’s life-long passions was reading. He loved immersing himself in new stories, mysteries, histories, and adventures. He could almost always be found with his book or his tablet, getting lost in other worlds. Paul was deeply curious, thoughtful, and playful. His four beloved children were his greatest source of joy and pride. Paul listened, advised, and encouraged his children, always willing to answer a call at any hour to talk about his famous cheesecake recipe, discuss the latest Survivor episode, reminisce about childhood memories, or simply offer kind and loving support. Paul lived a life full of quiet strength and an outpouring of love.

And now, Paul’s closing song- “Spirit in the Sky” –Norman Greenbaum, 1969. In true Paul style, he made sure to cover every last detail, including the song to remember him by. Paul was surely greeted with open arms by his mother, father, and older brother, all of whom he missed dearly. Now, Paul’s encore is to become our Spirit in the Sky, sending us peaceful sunsets and great music to remind us that we’re never without his love. 

You are the champion, Dad. 

1950-2026