Paul Richard Martin Jr.

Paul Richard Martin Jr. died peacefully at home in Colorado Springs on April 12, 2026, following an unexpected cardiac event. Per his wishes, there was cremation. He was a kind, generous, loving man with an amazing ability to turn tears into laughter through his genuine caring and self-deprecating sense of humor.

He was born May 15, 1943, in Oklahoma City to Paul Richard Martin and Faye Leona Martin. As a young boy Paul Jr. suffered from asthma prompting his family to move to the healthy climate of Colorado Springs, although he always laughed about the fact that his father’s love of hunting and fishing might have influenced the decision to relocate. He had fond memories of the many years spent helping his parents at their popular restaurant, Café De Ville, initially standing on a box to wash dishes and later honing his skills as a wonderful cook. He graduated from Harrison High School in 1961, where he was a student athlete who lettered in several sports and made lifelong friends. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education and Science from the University of Southern Colorado in 1965 and later a Master of Arts in Administration from Western State College in 1975.

After college, Paul returned to the Harrison School District where he was a Biology Teacher, Activities Director, Assistant Principal and Principal at Panorama Middle School. During his time at his alma mater, he also coached several sports and was known for his acumen as a winning Head Basketball Coach. These experiences were part of a long and successful educational career as a High School Principal, retiring in that role in 2009 from Cheyenne Mountain High School in the Cheyenne Mountain School District in Colorado Springs, CO. He was honored and humbled that two of his schools, Kelly Walsh High School in Casper Wyoming and Cheyenne Mountain High School were named Blue Ribbon National Schools of Excellence under his leadership. He received numerous individual awards, including being named the Wyoming High School Principal of the Year in 1984 and one of “100 Executive Educators to Watch” in 1985. He also served as Commissioner of the Wyoming High School Activities Association and as an Executive Director in the Cherry Creek School District, but his heart was with the students, and he always returned to the high school principalship that brought him so much joy.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Larry Martin. He is survived by his wife Jill Martin, his daughters Lisa Martin (Karen), Christy Rawson (David), Debbie Bain (Justin), Jennifer Palacios (Josue), Jessica Reed (Evan), and Katie Reed. He was a wonderful “Girl Dad” and cherished his grandchildren: Amanda, Bea, Brittany, Chase, Darci, Dylan, Ethan, Gentry, Jake, Josh, Jost, Kim, Lexie, Tanner, and Ty. He was also delighted to have 17 great-grandchildren with one more on the way! He doted on his Miniature Schnauzers, Murphy and Barney, who offered companionship and comfort these past few years as he battled numerous health issues including Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. He loved to cook and his spaghetti and meatballs were incomparable. He enjoyed movies and music and had fond memories of attending rock concerts in his younger days. He was an avid Yankees and Broncos fan. The kids and grandkids all grew up repeating his philosophical one -liners including, “Go big or stay home.” and “When you’re used to the best, the rest is less!”, and that has never been truer than now. He was an incredible man whose loss leaves a big hole in our hearts.

In honor of Paul, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on May 17, 2026, from 1:00-3:00PM at Red Rocks Barn, 2700 Robinson St., Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his name to the Cheyenne Mountain High School Athletic Department or the Cheyenne Mountain High School Choir Program. Please visit https://square.link/u/Hf8pvhoQ to make an online donation.