Paul Edward Sammons

Paul Sammons, 92 of Gunnison, Colorado went home to be with the Lord on February 5, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Paul will always be remembered for his kindness, love of people, and his service to the community.

Born on March 22, 1932, in Gunnison, Colorado, to Alva James Sammons and Lorelia (Brandenburg) Sammons, Paul grew up on the family ranch in Powderhorn, Colorado with his brothers, Perry, Glen, Don, and sisters, Ruth, Ruby and Ila. Paul attended the one-room schoolhouse in Powderhorn from first through eighth grade and graduated from Gunnison High School in 1950.

Paul married Marie McDonough, the love of his life and soul mate on June 16, 1951, and together they raised three children, Ed, Lois, and Bill. Paul worked on the family ranch until he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from September 1954 until he was honorably discharged in July 1956. While stationed in Nurnberg Germany in the U.S. Army, Paul served as company clerk. 

In 1957 Paul and Marie moved to Brighton, Colorado where they owned and operated the Gunnison Cattle Chute Company, manufacturing cattle handling equipment and operating a welding and machine shop. Paul served on the Brighton Volunteer Fire department for thirteen years and was Fire Chief for three years. In 1970 Paul began a new journey when he attended Community College of Denver studying Fire Science and Technology. This new education led Paul to a new career as the first paid Fire Marshal for the City of Brighton. Paul had a great love and respect for all those in the fire service and missed the great camaraderie of those he served with. Friendships formed with these special people were lifelong. While in Brighton Paul was the recipient of the Distinguished Service award. Paul was very interested in the Fire service and would probably have made it his career if he had not decided to pursue a business opportunity in Gunnison, Colorado.

In January 1973, Paul and Marie moved their family back to Gunnison to purchase the NAPA Auto Parts store. They moved the store several times, and then purchased and remodeled an older Safeway store, adding Ace Hardware. At one time Paul and Ed owned NAPA Auto Parts stores in Gunnison, Crested Butte, Delta, and Montrose. Paul was also active in the Gunnison Volunteer Fire department. 

Paul and Marie sold the Gunnison and Crested Butte stores in May of 1993, and enjoyed traveling in their semi-retirement. Marie passed away April 16, 2009, after nearly 58 wonderful years together.

Paul thoroughly enjoyed managing the nursery at Ace Hardware and volunteering at Gunnison’s Pioneer Museum for many summers after selling the stores. The interactions with people greatly enriched these experiences for Paul. Paul also enjoyed snowmobiling, restoring old International tractors, hunting, fishing, camping, and 4-wheeling. Paul considered it a great honor to be selected as one of the Cattlemen’s Days Parade Marshals in 2016.

Serving as Eastern Star Worthy Grand Patron with Margaret Rominger was one of the highlights of Paul’s life. It was a wonderful time for both Paul and Marie. Margaret and Harold remained dear friends for life.

Predeceasing Paul was his mother, father, brothers Perry and Don, and sisters Ila and Ruth. Paul is survived by his sister Ruby Hollenbeck and brother Glen Sammons, his three children, Ed (Margie) Sammons, Lois (Kim) Ruggera, and Bill (Christine) Sammons, as well as his grandchildren Lonnie (Jessica) Sammons, Stacey (Josh) Howell, Kevin Vader, Bryan Vader, Evan Sammons, and Lane Sammons. Paul is also survived by his twelve great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. 

A service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held February 15, 2025, at 10:00 am at Gunnison Community Church, 107 North Iowa, Gunnison, Colorado

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Forever 4-H in care of Gunnison County Extension Service or the Gunnison Pioneer Museum