Paul Shelton Cowan

Paul Shelton Cowan passed away on Friday evening January 24th 2025. Dad, Paul, Pablo,

Pappos, GrandPa and Teacher had a fantastic life. Paul was born to Ira Leigh and Ila Fern Shelton Cowan on September 6, 1937 in Augusta, Georgia. Sadly, his mother passed away from complications due to Rheumatic Fever when Paul was only 5 years old. Paul was raised on the family homestead in Okemah, Oklahoma, the town where the Cowan family had made roots during the “Boomer Sooner” settlement of the Oklahoma Territory. Paul’s grandfather Luther Cowan had claimed many acres. 

Paul grew up playing all sports with basketball being his favorite and passed his passion for sports on to his sons. Paul loved to sing in church, at school and while fishing. Paul was an AMAZING story teller and loved an audience. He shared his unbelievable life experiences to family and friends. His best stories included losing all his teeth on the football field and pushing back in place, a basketball coach who encouraged him to smoke menthol cigarettes before a game to improve lung function, driving his dad’s car at a VERY early age, being mugged by a group of hobos and losing all his summer blueberry field picking funds, pool sharking for dinner funds and many more.

While at New Mexico State University, Paul and Mary Ann's love story began unexpectedly when their original dates hit it off, leading them to become each other's date and embark on a 50-year relationship filled with adventures and three sons.

Life as a student, father, husband and PicQuik employee (not to mention pool shark) didn’t

allow for much rest but Paul persevered and made a success out of all of them. Paul and Mary

Ann worked hard and long and provided the best of homes for their 3 sons, Chris (65), Lynn (63) and Pat (61). They were great parents, and built a lasting social network. Their home was open to sons' friends and they hosted large Sunday dinners, feeding extra guests. Everyone was always welcome.

Paul loved to travel and see the world. From the time his sons were babies, he would find a

way to take part of the summer to see another part of the United States--in the process visiting most of the National Parks from the Grand Canyon to the Smoky Mountains and every place in between. Paul received multiple degrees from NMSU, both a Bachelors and Masters in Educational Psychology, ABD. He had a huge passion for teaching and helping people grow. Paul began his professional teaching career as a junior high school science teacher, and then worked at Las Cruces High School. His educational career path eventually took him into college administration at NMSU and, ultimately, into guiding 1000s of students to live to their highest potential as Director of Student Affairs and Director of Corbett Center where he ended his career. After retiring from formal education, Paul continued to teach at every opportunity and most recently was pursuing his fascination and love of minerals, gems and jewelry and by teaching silversmithing at the senior center in El Paso.

Paul loved to share what he knew, loved to learn from others and would share a conversation

with anyone willing to share the time. Paul had 56 different jobs in his life! From wheat

harvester to “Rocket Scientist” to corner store clerk to antique aficionado, Paul accumulated a

wealth of knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. 

After Mary Ann’s passing in 2005, Paul continued his love of sharing and exchanging antiques (and stories) via his Tia Juana’s antique business and it was this love that brought another love into his life.

Paul and Alice have loved one another for 20 years. Alice gave new life to Paul. Alice’s family brought Paul in as a Dad, Husband and Grandfather. Alice and Paul went on many great adventures to Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Hawaii, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Vegas and more. Alice’s sons’ Kevin (50) and Patrick (53) embraced Paul and shortly after became his new targets to provide worldly and fatherly advice—Paul loved it and so did the boys. Alice’s family will be forever grateful for the love, laughter, companionship, care and conversation Paul brought to their lives.

Paul was very active up until the end--traveling, lunching with his friends and dinner groups. He was involved in the Gem Society, a member of the bridge club and a regular at Planet Fitness. He taught silversmithing at the senior center. He made wonderful friends all along the way. Always talking, singing, learning and loving.

Paul’s grandchildren were always his top priority. Paul is survived by his three sons and their wives Chris, Lynn (Lisa) and Pat (Addie) and their children Levi, Sydney, Mischa, Eli and Parker. His life partner Alice Hayes and her children Kevin (Kelly) and Patrick and grandchildren Alyssa, Ryan, Macey and Brayden and great grandchild Tino. 

A service will be held for Paul on February 8th at 10 a.m., Sunset Funeral Home West, 480 North Resler, El Paso, Texas. 

May Paul rest in peace.