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Paul Sweeten Obituary
He was born May 9, 1935, to Lonnie and Leah Rucker Sweeten in Bauxite, Arkansas. Paul played football, basketball, track, and baseball for Bauxite High School. He was named to the All-State football team in 1953. Paul received an athletic scholarship to the University of Houston, where he lettered in football and baseball and received both Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
During his 34 years with HISD, he coached and taught students at many schools including Cullen, Johnston, Sterling, Waltrip, Furr and Welch. He also worked for Houston Community College before and after retirement.
In recent years, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and had a passion for experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and seeing famous landmarks. His true pride and joy were his five grandchildren whom he always supported and encouraged. Paul taught his children and grandchildren the value of living life to the fullest.
Paul was an active member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church for 42 years, where he served as elder and trustee. He was a 55-year season ticket holder for Houston Cougar football as well as a member of the "H" Association at UH. He was a member of the Ostomy Association of the Houston Area and supported the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Paul is survived by Marilyn Cowles Sweeten, his loyal wife of 52 years; children Debra Black, David Sweeten (Beth), and Linda Sweeten; grandchildren Jeremy and Jason Black, Sara and Jonathan Sweeten, and Austin Schmidt; brother Nathan Sweeten and sisters Christine Huggins and Virgie Caple (Eldridge); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Doris Baxley and brothers Lowell and Euell Sweeten.
Visitation: Sunday, June 9, 4-7 p.m., Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, 77077; Memorial Service: Tuesday, June 11 at 11 am, St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 7200 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, 77074.
The family thanks the many doctors, nurses, and staff who helped Paul be a survivor for many years. They respectfully request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in the name of James Paul Sweeten to: the University of Houston Cougar Pride Scholarship, 3100 Cullen, Suite 2004, Houston, TX 77204-6002 or the A.D. Players Theater, 2710 W. Alabama, Houston, TX 77098.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Sweeten
Rufus Burns, Jr,
June 3, 2021
When you say friend, add Paul's name to the list . He was a true friend and will leave a warm place in your heart .. He will always be thought of and now we must let him rest..
Rufus Burns
RUFUS BURNS
June 6, 2020
CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN SEVEN YEARS SINCE PAUL LEFT US! PAUL IS THE KIND OF FRIEND THAT ALWAYS BRING A SMILE UPON YOUR FACE...HE WAS A WARM AND GIVING FRIEND.. EVERY YEAR ON HIS BIRTHDAY I ALONE WITH HIS ENTIRE FAMILY WOULD STOP WHATEVER WE ARE DOING AND HONOR PAUL BY HAVING A MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER IN HIS MEMORY.
BEST FRIEND,
RUFUS BURNS
Chuck Worsham
June 21, 2013
I remember Coach Sweeten from my football days at Furr High School (1976-80). He would make us laugh on those hot days at practice. I can still hear his voice. Prayers for the family
Rufus Burns
June 15, 2013
Paul and I began working together at Welch Middle School in 1983. He was the Head Football Coach until his retirement in 1992. Upon meeting him there was an immediate connection and our friendship grew from there. Our friendship continued until this day. Paul has to be one of the nicest,thoughtful and caring person I know..... Everyone who knew him will miss him. Best wishes for the Sweeten Family
Rufus Burns
June 15, 2013
It has been said if you can count on one hand the number of True Friends you have in a lifetime,count yourself lucky. Paul was one of those true friends. The pain is over and may you rest. I will truly miss you...
Your Best Friend,
Rufus
Miles King
June 11, 2013
Paul,his Christain parents,his family are
the foundation of America.
REST IN PEACE!
June 10, 2013
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Danielle, David, Daniel, Nicki Henkes
June 10, 2013
Our prayers are with you, Debra, Jason, Jeremy and your entire family. We were blessed to be able to spend time with your Dad over the last 14+ years when he came to San Antonio to visit. He was always Jason & Jeremy's biggest fans whether rooting for them playing baseball, lacrosse, basketball, football, running, or cheering on their academic accomplishments. Daniel was lucky to be included in several activities with your dad and still has his Astros playoff shirt your dad brought him many years ago! He truly invested himself in the lives of those he loved and you all reflect that now in your own lives. We love you and our thoughts are with you.
GENE TANNER
June 10, 2013
I PLAYED FOOTBALL WITH PAUL AT UH
IN THE MID 50'S. HE WAS A GOOD GUY
FROM ARKANSAS.
Joni Britton
June 9, 2013
So sorry for your loss of Mr. Sweeten. You all are in our prayers.
Andy Anderson
June 9, 2013
Paul Sweeton was a Freshman Football player when I met him at the University of Houston. I was in charge of the Men's Dormitories and Paul was one of the many Athletes living in the Dorm. He was a very respectful and honest person. Each year after we both had left the Unoversity, each time we saw each other he always talked about living in the Dorm and the tales that went on there. He will be missed. I'm sorry that I will not be able to attend the Ceremonies and pay my respect to Paul and his family.
Andy Anderson
Carthage, Texas
Tom Will
June 9, 2013
God Bless Paul, He was an inspiration to me in High School. He was a Great Coach!
Lynden Rasch
June 9, 2013
I appreciated the positive example set for me and other students by Coach Sweeten at Cullen Junior High. I recall his visits to Ms. Cowles class while we were in the cafeteria and how popular he was with us boys. I visited with Coach during an event at the UH years later then again through a mutual friend, Gerald Bunn. My prayers are with the family.
June 8, 2013
Hugs and prayers to all your families - from Kathy & Trent Timberlake, San Antonio. (friends of Debra & boys)
June 8, 2013
There's love within our family tree
and happiness abound.
It's roots are deeply planted
In rich and fertile ground.
We enjoy the rays of sunlight,
And endure the winds and rain,
and when a leaf falls from our tree,
together we share the pain.
God gave us earthly families
and never did intend,
that bonds of love built on earth,
upon our death would end.
For when our life is over
and from earth our souls will flee ,
one by one, leaf by leaf
He'll rejoin our family tree.
-Author Unknown
Sheila Simmons
David Croucher
June 8, 2013
Only fond memories of him as my junior high coach at Cullen Junion High in 1962; always encouraging in difficult situations
David Leland
June 8, 2013
Paul Sweeten was my 7th grade football coach in 1963 & neighbor since 1966. I babysat his oldest 2 children during my high school days. The last time we spoke at length was at a neighbor night out event where he told me stories about his U of H college baseball & football career from 1955-57. He'll be missed by everyone in our neighborhood. He was such a nice man! Rest in peace, Coach Sweeten!
Bill Simmons
June 8, 2013
Good man, good friend. He will be missed.
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