Paul was born in Helena, MT and moved to Denver, CO in 1945. He was born to Dell and Dorothy Styers as the 4th of 5 children. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Diana Styers, and his children Amie DeGraeve (JJ) and Justin Styers (Heather). Paul is also survived by three grandchildren (Olivia, Jackson & Luke) and his oldest brother, James Styers (Connie). Paul is blessed with numerous nephews, nieces and their children.
Paul boxed in the Golden Gloves before enlisting in the United States Navy (1960-64). He served aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Ranger, in the Pacific fleet. He found his passion for flying while serving and after his Navy service, took lessons and received his pilot’s license. He flew private aircraft for many years and it remained a true passion throughout his life.
Paul joined his father and two brothers in the family printing business, Emblem Tape & Label Company, in 1964. He worked for the printing company while attending Regis University to earn his degree in Business/Accounting. He married the love of his life, Diana Carmichael, on June 29, 1968. In 1977, he moved his family from Denver to Kansas City to open a new printing facility.
In December of 1982, as President of Emblem Tape & Label, he sold the printing company and started Styers Equipment Company in January 1983. He went from selling printed products to selling the actual printing and converting machinery on the used market. In 1983, Styers Equipment was the first company to sell used flexographic equipment. He was a true entrepreneur and a pioneer of the industry. He built the company’s database at the local library going through the “yellow pages” to get contact information for printing companies across the United States. Over his many years in business, he mentored, partnered and financed other entrepreneurs to help them fulfill their dreams as well.
Paul lived his life with passion – for his family, for business and for his country. He was a true patriot. He put action behind his words and gave back to the community. He ran for the State Senate of Kansas, started many grassroots campaigns, started the organization “TL4C” (Term Limits 4 Congress) and in his last year founded the “Geezers Club”. A club of his close “senior” friends that met for lunch every month to solve all the world’s problems.
From the beginning, in the middle and at the end – Paul Styers did it his way!
