Paul Eben Holligan (Tulia)

Paul Eben Holligan, 91, of Amarillo passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Tulia with Rev. Curtis House officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia.

A visitation will follow after the graveside at Calvary Baptist Church for family and friends.

Paul was born on August 11, 1934, in Lakeview, Texas. Paul was the beloved son of Elias Britton and Mary Dane (Hancock) Holligan.

Paul's educational journey began at Tulia High School, where he laid the foundation for a life filled with purpose and devotion. He married his first wife, LaFon Berry, on August 15, 1954, in Swisher County. Together, they nurtured a family, raising four wonderful boys. LaFon’s passing was a significant loss in Paul’s life, but he carried her memory with love throughout his years.

Devoting four years to his country, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force, earning an honorable discharge as a mark of his dedication and service. Following his military career, he spent an impressive twenty-eight years working as an Air Traffic Controller for the Federal Aviation Administration, a role that underscored his commitment to safety and precision.

In a beautiful second chapter of his life, Paul married Willa Dean King on February 1, 1997, at Ceta Canyon, Texas. This union blossomed into a family filled with love as he gained four bonus daughters who brought joy and companionship into his life.

A true lover of history, Paul often delighted his family with stories from the past. His passion extended beyond history; he was an ardent Texas Ranger Baseball fan and found comfort in the pages of countless books. With a keen interest in nature, he cultivated a collection of arrowheads, each telling a story of times long gone. Paul's heart was also filled with the melodies of country music, especially the swing sounds that reminded him of his father's days playing alongside Bob Wills.

Flying airplanes was among Paul’s great passions, a testament to his adventurous spirit. At Harvest Connection Church in Amarillo, he found solace and community, where he lived out his faith as a devoted Christian.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elias and Mary Holligan; his first wife, LaFon Berry Holligan; his brother, E.B. Holligan, Jr., one grandchild and one great grandchild.

He is survived by his wife, Willa Holligan of Amarillo; four sons, Donnie Holligan of Lubbock, Darrell Holligan and wife Tommie of Lubbock, David Holligan and Rich of Amarillo and Dale Holligan and wife Alicia of Lubbock; his bonus daughters, Valerie Cosby and husband Barry of Edgewood, NM., Cheryl Tomberlin and husband James of Conroe, Jennifer Burnett and husband Jim of Wayside, Jeanette Slaten and husband Brent of Amarillo; his bonus son, Michael Crocker and wife Cheri, twenty combined grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Compassion Care, BSA Hospice, and Ussery Roan State Veterans Home for their unwavering support and compassion.

Online condolences can be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com