Keith Paul

Keith was born on May 11, 1952, in Liverpool, England and passed away on December 30, 2023, in Fresno, California after dealing with lung and heart challenges over the last few years. He was the second child born to Kenneth and Ethel Paul and was raised with his older sister Brenda in many places around Liverpool. He spoke often of the wonderful childhood he had growing up getting to attend soccer games with his Dad and playing rugby in primary school. In his last few months, he never stopped joking, smiling, and enjoying the company of his children.
The family would like to thank all his healthcare team and doctors from over the years that helped guide and care for him.
Keith was preceded in death by his beautiful and loving wife, Deborah, his parents, Kenneth and Ethel Paul, beloved sister Brenda Salters, sister-in-law Linda Larson, brother-in-law Robert Morgan and other aunts and uncles.
Keith is survived by his daughter Elizabeth, son Eric and wife Holly, sons Jason and Jeffrey, his nephew Ian Salters and wife Cheryl (children Imogen, Aiden, Ilona), nieces Jayne & Alexandra Salters, sister-in-law Linda Morgan, sister-in-law Cheryl and husband Joe Martinez, sister-in-law Jan and husband Manuel Meza, brother-in-law Ricky and wife Beatrice Morgan, many cherished nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and grand puppies.
Keith began his working career at the age of 16 for Ralli Brothers & Coney Ltd. In Liverpool after graduating from secondary school in May of 1968. After a few years of learning the trade and being involved with futures hedging he was selected to travel to Memphis Tennessee in January of 1974 to attend Cotton School until May of that year. After completing Cotton School, he returned to Liverpool only to return again later that year and to begin travelling all of the world for the company (Afghanistan, Lebanon, Taipei, Mallorca, Holland, Osaka, Romania, Delhi, Hong Kong, etc.). In 1977 Keith was brought over to the newly acquired California Compress working in Fresno, California. While in Fresno he worked for Allenberg Cotton Company before returning to Hohenberg which was Cargill's Cotton business unit. Keith served as President of the Western Cotton Shippers Association from 2000 to 2002 and hosted one of the Association's most memorable conferences in Monterey, California in which they held a beautiful Gala in the Monterey Bay Aquarium. During this time, he oversaw California cotton buying while managing California Compress until it was closed in 2008. He then moved back to Memphis with wife Deborah and youngest son Jeffrey to work for Cargill overseeing Logistics until his well-deserved retirement in 2015.
It was also in 1977 that he met his beautiful wife, Deborah while at work at California Compress. From their first date at a Fresno State Football game to many fun adventures bowling, fishing, camping, lounging by the pool and travelling their love grew deep. They married on May 30, 1981, having a party that was not to be forgotten! They continued their travels and enjoyed their married life together and enjoyed card and game nights with family and friends. In February of 1985 they welcomed their first child, a girl, Elizabeth. Not long after they welcomed twin boys, Eric and Jason, in March of 1987. They completed their family in November of 1990 with the addition of their youngest son Jeffrey.
When Keith wasn't working away in the office, he could be found coaching his children's soccer teams, supporting their many sports and other interests, as well as serving as a Booster Board Member at the
kids' school for 11 years helping to purchase many significant things for the school along with starting many successful programs and fundraising events. Coach Paul was greatly admired by all the boys on his many teams throughout the years along with being a favorite chaperone for sixth grade camp.
Keith loved the Central Coast and was always eager to go on the family's annual vacation to Cayucos for the kids' spring break and Easter. While there he enjoyed long morning walks on the beach with the family, fish and chips, wine from the local wineries and taking short trips to other local coastal towns to enjoy the sea life. These trips also included some memorable times in the ocean boogie-boarding, on the beach building sandcastles, and nights ending in laughter and the family's favorite activity, dominoes!
Keith was a huge soccer fan and closely followed Liverpool Football Club, not missing a single game on TV. In addition to these things, he loved history, fishing, gardening, and HGTV. He was fortunate to travel and learn history from all over and was always willing to share those stories with anyone who would listen. His incredible intelligence and investment/business savvy also made him the family's go-to financial advisor.
Keith was the best father and husband and loved his family more than anything else in life. He would do anything for his kids, and they learned so much from him. His children have always looked up to and adored him throughout his life. He couldn't have been prouder of his children and told them often. He was so incredibly smart, genuine, and kindhearted and had a passion for giving to those in need. He will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him during their life.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Keith's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his honor.
Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns, & Blair, Wednesday January 17th, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00pm followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Thursday January 18th, 2024, at 10:00am followed by the graveside service at Fresno Memorial Gardens.