Paul Crown

Remembering Paul Hawkins Crown

Family members, friends, acquaintances, and strangers enjoyed life when they were in the presence of Paul Crown. He lived 9 Sep 1949 to 12 Jun 2024 and died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Ruidoso, NM. Paul was 74 years old.

Paul Hawkins Crown was born in Corpus Christi, Texas to Frank and Betty Crown. The family lived In Port Aransas, moved to Crystal City, then to Andrews, Texas where he graduated from high school in 1967. He attended junior college before moving to Ruidoso where his parents lived.

"Work hard, play hard, and live the life you choose" could have been his motto. Paul became involved in Ruidoso civic life: he was on the Lincoln Co. Medical Center Board of Directors, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and organized the Annual Chili Cookoff. He was a member of the Rotary Club, was given the Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow award and was made an Honorary Life-time member. Paul was Manager of Lincoln Cablevision, on the Board of the New Mexico Cable Television Association, and served as President for a term.

Paul was fun-loving, caring, passionate, creative. He enjoyed saltwater fishing, entertaining and cooking for his friends, crafting handmade toys and boxes, and being with his friends. Paul's wife Becky once said that his friends lived vicariously through him. After he retired, he and Becky leased a home in San Carlos, Mexico - the perfect place to go fishing in the Sea of Cortez and hike in the Sonoran Mountains. It was amazing to his friends that he never learned to speak Spanish yet had a way of communicating effectively with the local citizens.

After Becky's death in 2003, Paul continued to travel between his two homes with Kitty-Kitty. Ruidoso had the appeal of his wood-working shop at home and his group of close friends - the 'Old Farts Club' and many others. San Carlos offered fishing opportunities with friends - some who lived nearby, others who came to visit and to go fishing with Paul. He loved to entertain with fish-fries for as many as 150 people. One of his friends has said that Paul could 'out drink any man and out bake any woman'!

Those who knew this gentle giant of a man will miss his laughter, his bear hugs, his generous heart, and his always-present willingness to have a conversation.

Paul was predeceased by his parents Frank and Betty Crown, his wife Becky, brother David, and nephews Patrick Sims and Mark Crown.

He is survived by daughter Kari and husband Mike Rangel, grandson Zander Rangel, sister Fran and husband John Sims, brother Jim and wife Isa, several cousins, an abundance of friends and his beloved Kitty-Kitty.

Rest in Peace, dear Paul. Our memories of you will sustain us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Rotary Club, or your local Animal Shelter.

A Celebration of Life will be held in both Ruidoso NM and San Carlos Mexico. Dates pending.