Paul Howard Park

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Paul Howard Park went to be with the lord on Wednesday, April 29, at the age of 78. He was born to Maryellen Maron and Howard Otto Park on Jan. 27, 1942, in Buffalo, New York.

Paul attended Marvale High School. After graduating, he was drafted into the military at the age of 22. He proudly served two years in France as a radioman during Vietnam. He received awards for his excellence in marksmanship. He had a love for guns and continued this hobby throughout his life.

He met the love of his life, Gail Adeline Zielin, and they married on Oct. 10, 1964. From that union, they had three children. They raised their kids in Buffalo, New York, until his job with Anchutz Ranch (Niject) brought them to Evanston in 1983. Paul and Gail started Peep’s Billiard’s and Gail’s Gifts on Main Street and successfully ran the business for 10 years. They later moved to Kingman, Arizona to retire.

Paul had a love for billiards and wanted everyone else around him to love it, too. He started the pool league in Kingman and loved to practice and teach his love for the sport. He was a very accomplished pool player and in the VNEA pool league for 30 plus years.

He loved his family — his wife and best friend, and his kids and grandkids. He was a prankster and loved to share jokes. He had a special love for all people and would strike up conversation with anyone around him. His infectious laugh and great sense of humor is why many of these strangers became life-long friends. He also had a love for sweets and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Paul is survived by his wife, Gail Park; his brother, Bill (Rosie) Park; his children, Michael (Theresa) Park, Lori (Robert) Hicks and David (Rhonda) Park; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in Oklahoma, where he resided.