Paul Charles Crissman

Paul Charles Crissman, born on February 26, 1931 in Evanston, Illinois, passed away on April 19, 2026 in Centennial, Colorado at the age of 95. His family moved early in his life to Laramie, Wyoming, where he spent his childhood and formative years exploring the beauty of the region.

Paul attended school in Laramie from grade school through high school and went on to earn an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Wyoming. To support himself during those years, he took on a variety of jobs, including the memorable task of loading blocks of ice into wooden boxcars used for refrigeration on the Union Pacific Railroad.

After graduating, Paul enlisted in the Army, where he served for two years working in the Signal Corps. His post-military career led him to work at Convair in California and later at Martin Marietta in Colorado, now known as Lockheed Martin. He enjoyed contributing to the development of spacecraft, including Mars Landers and satellites, and even worked on projects launched by the space shuttle.

In 1969, Paul married his wife Della (deceased), and together they raised three children: Darla, married to her husband Al (deceased); Rick, who is survived by his wife Heather; and Chandra and her husband Robert, along with many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whenever he could find the time, he enjoyed fishing, camping and hiking in the great outdoors.

In his retirement, Paul found joy in his stamp collection, jigsaw and crossword puzzles and he enjoyed helping Darla and Al build a house and Chandra and Rob finish their basement. Paul was always a very supportive man and he lived his life constantly trying to take the best care he could of those he loved. He lived a very full life and was a blessing to us all.

In lieu of a service or flowers, those who wish to honor Paul Crissman’s memory may contribute to the Paul Crissman Scholarship Fund at the University of Wyoming, a scholarship named in honor of his father. This is a meaningful way to continue his legacy by supporting future students.