Stephen Smith Paul

"Stephen Smith Paul was born April 22, 1944, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. He is a direct descendant of the founder, Smith Paul, who was the founder of Pauls Valley. Stephen was proud Oklahoman, but he was equally proud of his Scottish heritage and his Chickasaw heritage. While matriculating through the public school system in Oklahoma Stephen was quite the athlete. This led him to lettering in football, basketball, and track in high school. Stephen went on to attend East Central State in Ada, Oklahoma where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. While there he met a young lady by the name of Shirley Terry. These college sweethearts went on to be married for 59 years. To this union was born one daughter Ashley Elizabeth Paul Campos.

After college, Stephen became a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country during the Vietnam War as a Bombardier-Navigator. Stephen served from 1966 to 1970. He received numerous medals throughout his service. After serving in the military, Stephen settled into a career in Computer Engineering. His professional accolades included working for Hewlett-Packard, British Petroleum and Perot Systems. According to his wife Shirley, his career took them as far west as Bakersfield, California, and all up and down the east coast. Their favorite place to live was Pensacola. It was one of the prettiest places he lived.

Stephen throughout his life enjoyed fixing things and tinkering around the house. As a member of Waterview Church of Christ, he worked the control board at the church during services. His favorite color was blue. He was quiet man who enjoyed flying, sailing, and handball. Lastly, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and daughter throughout his life.

Stephen passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Shirley and his daughter Ashley. Stephen touched the lives of many including his relatives in Oklahoma and his church family at Waterview Church of Christ.