David Chandler Paul, 80, passed away on January 5, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was a resident of the Black Forest in Colorado Springs for nearly ten years and was formerly a resident of Stoughton, Wisconsin for nearly 30 years. He was born on January 23, 1945, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Dave married the love of his life, Patricia (Linton) Paul, on August 30, 1968, in Derwood, Maryland. He always said, “I married up; there’s no doubt about it!” Together they built a life rooted in faith, curiosity, service to others, and a deep love for family.
Throughout his life, Dave wore many hats. He served as a missionary, pastor, and chaplain offering guidance, compassion, and support to people in moments of joy and hardship. He spent hours studying and nurturing his relationship with Christ and shared his love of the Lord with all who would listen. His unassuming personality and genuine authentic love for people drew many to Jesus Christ. For fifteen years, Dave served as a missionary among Native Canadian Indian communities in British Columbia, working tirelessly to form deep-rooted relationships and dedicating himself to compassionate, kind-hearted service. During that time, he also helped start a local Christian school in Penticton, which served many children both on and off the reservation.
Additionally, he served people by working with his hands in carpentry and as a window glazer. He delighted in the tools and machinery that allowed him to demonstrate love and express gratitude to others. The words, “I can make one of those for you” or “would you like me to make that for you” were ready on his lips whether it was a family member, an old friend, or a doctor who cared for him. Over the years, his extensive tool collection and refined skill and craftsmanship allowed him to build furniture, help individuals build their homes, and find joy in creating smaller gifts like picture frames, canes, and toolboxes. Everything Dave did came from a love for Christ. It was all ministry to him.
Dave was a lifelong learner and a man of strong principle. He valued books, filling rooms with them as he continually expanded his library. He had an especially deep thirst for learning about theology and history. Even above tools, wood, and books, however, people were Dave’s ultimate interest and passion. He used laughter and humor to connect with all who crossed his path. He genuinely enjoyed meeting others, became energized by listening attentively to their stories, and truly treasured getting to know them.
David will be remembered as the friend who sat in silence to share a sorrow; the pastor who spent hours with a hopeless man in pain; the person who boldly knocked on strangers’ doors to see if they needed anything; the woodworker who lovingly made gifts for family and friends; the father who studied in early morning hours in order to tell his children nightly bedtime stories from the Bible; the husband who loved thoughtfully, creatively, and passionately; and most of all, the man who dedicated his life to being like the One he loved most —Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Paul; his son, Jon (Jennifer) Paul; his daughter,
Rebecca (Neil) Seidschlag; and five grandchildren (Noah, Caiden, Judah, Sofia, and
Josiah) who were a continuing source of joy, pride, and delight. He is also survived by his sisters, Debra Ridlon and Johanna Brame, and his brothers, Jonathan Paul and Daniel Paul. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Inez Paul.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Village
Seven Presbyterian Church, 4040 Nonchalant Circle South, Colorado Springs,
Colorado, 80917. The service will also be available via live stream and recording. Please contact the family for further information.
Flowers may be ordered through Sign of the Rose florist at https://signoftheroseflorist.com/ or by calling 719-598-8542.