Paul Morris Christensen, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend, passed away Wednesday March 10, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. (26 days shy of his 80th birthday)
He was born on April 5th, 1941 to Morris “Bill” and Evelyn Argyle Christensen in Spanish Fork, Utah. He was the eldest of 7 children and had a happy childhood growing up in Salem. Paul was a graduate of Spanish Fork High School where he was active in student leadership and excelled in all sports achieving the honor of a 4-year 4-sport letterman.
His 1st job was working at his fathers’ grocery store in Salem, The Salem Merc. This is where he met the girl of his dreams, Pamela Warner. They went on to be high school sweethearts and were married August 8, 1960 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Paul and Pam are the parents of 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren whom they love dearly and of whom they are so proud.
Paul was a devoted father and grandfather always supporting his children and grandchildren’s endeavors. He frequently expressed how grateful he was for the family he had been blessed with and they were his greatest joy and greatest accomplishment.
Paul was a dedicated worker and worked diligently to provide a happy, stable life for his family. He worked at Geneva Steel for 28 years and later at Spanish Fork City.
Although he was raised in Salem, he made Spanish Fork his home in 1965 and resided there since. His love for community and desire to serve others started soon after. He started by doing what he knew and loved, coaching sports. Before he had a son or daughter playing, he volunteered to coach a baseball team. He continued to coach baseball, softball, basketball and football for 30 years.
Before the city took the recreation department over it was operated and maintained by volunteers. Paul would go to work at Geneva in the morning and then head to the ballpark to paint bleachers, maintain fields and fences, and whatever else needed to be done. He served as President of the organization from 1984-1986. That experience helped him in securing a job with the recreation department soon after. Many people referred to him fondly as ‘Ballpark Paul’. He practically lived there in the summer. He loved being a part of youth sports and was a caring advocate to countless kids.
In 1985 he volunteered with the Spanish Fork Ambulance. He became an EMT and ran with the crew for 15 years. He loved it!
In 1986, he was instrumental in starting the Spanish Fork High School Booster Club. He was the first president and served two years. He was also a high school football official for 15 years and spent countless volunteer hours training and mentoring new officials.
In 2002, he was elected to the Spanish Fork City Council. He served until 2006.
In 1995, his wife Pam, suffered a debilitating stroke. Paul had to step away from volunteering so much and became a full-time caretaker. In 2010, Pam was nearly home bound. This was so hard on him. He was also dealing with health issues of his own and the stress of caring for Pam was taking its toll. There is nothing he would have rather been doing. He loved her so much! Much more than he loved himself. He found himself doing things for her that most men would not. Then in 2014, things were getting dire. That is when he literally stumbled into Maple Creek Home and Hospice at a home show. They were an answer to many prayers! When Pam died in 2015, Paul went right back to doing what he loved most, servings others. He was a volunteer at Maple Creek up until the day he passed away. This volunteer work included sitting with patients so their families could get a rest, taking them to appointments, yard work and maintenance at their office in Spanish Fork. Every Christmas, he put on a Santa suit and visited the patients. Delivering Meals on Wheels every week was also part of his roll.
Paul loves serving people. He served openly and secretively, there are countless acts of quiet service that only few know.
He has spent his life making Spanish Fork a great place to live and was honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshal of the Fiesta Days Celebration in 2018. An honor he well deserved and was humbled to receive.
A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and High Priest, Paul served in many capacities including, Elders Quorum President, Stake and Ward Athletic Director, and youth Sunday school teacher.
Paul is survived by his children; Paula Curtis, Becky (Blake) Graves, Jennifer (Russell) Hanson, Mike (Emily) Christensen, Alyse (Clay) Cushing and son-in-law, John Curtis. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, and siblings, Boyd Reynolds, Elaine (Steven) Cloward, Ann (Garth) Swenson, Evelyn (Randy) Ellsworth and Clifford (Kim) Christensen; and in-laws, Richard and Mauriem Warner, Edward and Ilona Warner, Sherry Warner Mecham, Boyd and Debbie Warner, Kathryn and Marcy Warner. He is preceded in death by his wife Pam, parents, brother Clair, sister Janet, in-laws Jarvis and Fernetta Warner and brother-in-law Paul David Warner.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Dr’s & Nurse’s in the Cardiac ICU at UVRMC for their tireless efforts to extend our fathers’ life and for Maple Creek Home and Hospice for adopting him into their family and treating him with love and respect.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Spanish Fork 8th Ward Chapel, 1006 East 200 South, Spanish Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call Sunday evening March 14, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 S Main Street, Spanish Fork and on Monday morning at the church from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Salem City Cemetery.

The funeral servcices will be broadcast live via the following link: https://zoom.us/j/96787535879?pwd=MXEzcEpXZWxrMkRRUE1mYUJ6N3RCdz09