Paul Robert Emler passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026. Born on May 11, 1943, in El Paso, Texas. Paul spent his entire life in the city he called home, building a lifetime of cherished memories with his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.
Paul was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, cousin, friend, and coach. Family was an important part of his life, and the relationships he built over the years were among the most meaningful parts of his journey. He was a man who made a lasting impression on those around him, whether through his love for his family, his friendships, or his commitment to the young athletes he coached. His life touched many people, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Alicia Emler, and their children: Pauline Bernal (Abel Bernal Sr.), Katherine Emler (Curtis Davis), Elaine Emler, Paul John Emler (Cecilia Teresa Chavez), and Brian Rene Emler. Paul was a proud grandfather to Abel Bernal Jr., Alyssa Marie Martinez (Ruben Romero Jr.), Amber Colline Bernal (Jonathan Garcia), Raven Renee Aguirre, Michael Steele Emler (Taylor Morris), Oktober Jayd Jones (Noah Marchel Jones), Paul John Olivarez (Edenez Holguin), and Victoria Alese Martinez (Alyssa Skye Rodriguez). Paul was also blessed with five beloved great-grandchildren: Ivy Ley Linton, Noah Marchel Jones Jr., Jonathan Garcia Jr., Malakai Moon Jones, and Adalynn Ava Garcia.
Paul is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Shirley Anaya and Betty Lou Najera. The bond they shared as siblings will always remain a meaningful part of his family’s story.
Beyond his family, Paul devoted many years of his life to coaching and mentoring young athletes through the USA Blues Sports Organization, leaving a lasting legacy through the organization and the community it served. He guided basketball players of all generations, sharing his knowledge of the game and helping the youth grow both as athletes and as individuals. While Paul made a meaningful impact on the basketball court, his heart, passion, and dedication truly shone through his leadership of the ladies’ softball team. A championship winning coach, he guided his team to multiple city championships and two state titles. These accomplishments reflect his commitment, leadership, and love of the game. Paul’s life was defined not only by his accomplishments but by the relationships he built and the people who became part of his story. He leaves behind a family who loved him, friends who valued him, and generations of athletes who will remember him as a coach who made a difference in their lives.
Visitation for Paul will be Friday, October 16, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm held at Crestview Funeral Home, 1462 North Zaragoza Rd., El Paso, Texas 79936. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10:00 am at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 8011 Williamette Ave, El Paso, Texas 79907. Interment will follow at 11:30 am at Mt Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, Texas 79907.
Pallbearers: Paul John Emler, Brian Rene Emler, Abel Bernal Sr., Abel Bernal Jr., Michael Steele Emler, Hector Martinez, Noah Marchel Jones, William Thomas Emler Jr., Eric Martin Emler
