It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Paul, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend. Eddie was born on December 17, 1949, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Edward R. Paul, Sr. and Frankie D. Paul. He spent his early years in Oklahoma City before moving to Walters, Oklahoma, where he was raised by his mother, Frankie, and “Pops” Gene Sturdivant.
Eddie graduated from Walters High School in 1968, where he left an indelible mark as an accomplished student-athlete. Known for his strength and determination, Eddie was a state champion in shot put and discus, and he led both on and off the field as Student Council President and Most Popular. Thanks to the encouragement of Coach Morris G. Philpott and wife, Janelle, Eddie earned a full athletic scholarship to Oklahoma State University, where he began his college football journey, later completing his education and athletic career at Cameron University.
Eddie married his junior high and high school sweetheart, Cindy Durbin, while at Cameron. Together, they raised two children, Kelli and Jason, building a legacy of love, strength, and dedication to family and community. Eddie and Cindy were blessed with over fifty years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. After graduating, Eddie began a remarkable coaching career that spanned 48 years in both Oklahoma and Texas. He touched the lives of countless young athletes and students, coaching in Clinton, Enid, Velma-Alma, Yukon, Woodward, Lindsay, Plainview in Ardmore, DeSoto, TX, Azle, TX, Bethel, Norman North, Southridge Junior High, and Moore High School. Eddie’s commitment to his players and students was reflected not only in his guidance but in the recognition he received, including the 1983 Oklahoma Girl’s Track Coach of the Year, and his induction into the Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA) Hall of Fame in 2001. He served as President of both the Oklahoma Football Coaches Association and the OCA, contributing immeasurably to the coaching community. In his later years, Eddie continued his service to the OCA as the Exhibits Coordinator, planning the All-State Programs and working at the annual Coaching Clinic until his final retirement in 2024.
Eddie’s legacy is carried on by his devoted family, who he loved beyond measure. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, their children, Kelli Paul and Ryan Phillips of Blanchard, Oklahoma, and Jason Paul and his wife Angie of Moore, Oklahoma. Eddie’s spirit lives on in his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Paul, Emily and her husband Tanner Furrh, Pateyn Clark, Baylee Beckham and her husband Lee, Logan Clark and her fiancé Cash Dowers, Alexis Nelms and her husband Cory, Chelsea Phillips, MacKenzie Phillips, and Presley Phillips, and great-grandchildren Atum, Tobias, Elly, Emma, Olivia, Averee, Brody, Bennet, Leighton, and Baylor. He is also survived by his beloved brothers, Robert “Bobby” Paul of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Orvil Sturdivant and his wife Debbie of Temple, Oklahoma, along with his “Pops,” Gene Sturdivant of Temple. Eddie leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and his faithful companion, his dog “Petey.”
Eddie was preceded in death by his father, Ed Paul, his mother, Frankie Sturdivant, and his grandparents, Dwain Patrick Cole, Frankie Cole, and HV & Mae Paul.
A memorial service celebrating Eddie’s life will be held on October 28, 2024, at Emmaus Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK, where family, friends, colleagues, and former students are invited to gather in remembrance and gratitude for a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure.
In honoring Eddie’s memory, we are reminded of his dedication, kindness, humor, and the enduring love he gave to those fortunate to know him.
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