Paul A. Suttles Jr.

Paul Andrew Suttles, Jr., 79, departed this life on Thursday, September 30, 2021. Paul was born on November 3, 1941, to Paul and Lavaughn Suttles in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He left Okmulgee, (but Okmulgee never left him), to attend Oklahoma Baptist University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, and later obtained a master’s degree of Education in Counseling. Known to many as “Señor,” Paul taught Spanish and coached tennis in Kansas before returning to Oklahoma, where he met and married Jan, his wife of fifty-five years. Jan and Paul made their home in Warr Acres for the past 43 years, where Paul was employed by Putnam City School District as a guidance counselor, both at Putnam City and Putnam City North. He was recognized as Counselor of the Year in 1984 by the State of Oklahoma. After retiring from public education, Paul enjoyed NASCAR, Toastmasters, and summers on Lake Tenkiller with Jan. They enjoyed many days together there with family, boating, cooking out, and entertaining every stray dog, kitten, or human that needed a meal. Paul found creative outlet in fashioning driftwood and copper wire into beautiful trees, and always carried colorful pipe cleaners in his pocket, which he shaped into flowers as impromptu gifts for friends and strangers alike. He was an educator at heart, a motivational speaker, a pet lover, and a poet. He always rooted for the underdog, no matter what. In 2013, Paul authored a book titled, Want Happiness? Seeds of Happiness. He was a man of great faith who always believed the best was yet to come. Paul served as a deacon at Highland Hills Baptist Church and often drove the church bus, earning him the moniker, “NASCAR Paul.” Whether talents, cars, tools, or his own britches, Señor wore out everything God gave him, but that never stopped him from the continued use of such blessings. He was a man of service who was happiest when helping others. He went out of his way daily, which became, in fact, his way. He thought sleeping was a waste of time and preferred to save his rest for the eternal. Paul is survived by his wife, Jan, of Warr Acres, his sons, Brent, of Norman and Lance, of Oklahoma City, his sister, Shirley (Don) Merkling, of St. Louis, Missouri, and the four grandchildren Paul always referred to as his pride and joy: Carlyn, Camille, Carson, and Chase. Paul was preceded in death by his parents. The family of Paul Suttles wishes to thank the numerous friends and church family who enriched his life, tolerated his stories, and loved him well – you are most special, and cherished in our hearts. Visitation will be held Monday, October 4th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Merritt Funeral Home, 6201 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, Oklahoma. Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at Highland Hills Baptist Church, 7900 Devore Drive, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Paul will be laid to rest in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com for the Suttles family.