Paul Coleman Steel

Paul Coleman Steel

July 10, 1943 – May 23, 2025

Paul Coleman Steel, 81, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a short battle with cancer.

Paul was born on July 10, 1943, in the old Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg. He was the fourth of five children born to Moroni Job Steel and Beulah Ursula Coleman. He was raised in the home his grandmother built in 1900—a home he would later purchase to raise his own family and live in for over 51 years with his beloved wife, Shirley.

Paul graduated from Sugar-Salem High School in 1961 and was a lifelong farmer, working alongside his father. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. There, he served honorably in Saigon MACV and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Paul married the love of his life, Shirley Nielsen, on May 31, 1974, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they raised five children and built a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. He worked at Ricks College and later BYU–Idaho, while continuing to farm part-time. He was also a devoted church servant, fulfilling callings in multiple bishoprics and serving in the Rexburg Temple for seven years. Alongside Shirley, he served as an addiction recovery missionary for three years from 2018 to 2021.

Paul loved farming, reading, watching John Wayne movies, and driving his brown Jeep, especially with his grandchildren, through the Idaho desert. He was known for his quiet wisdom, deep love for his family, and favorite treats: a cold Pepsi and dark chocolate. In March 2025, Paul was diagnosed with leukemia and a rare bone marrow cancer. He faced his final months with strength, faith, and grace.

Paul is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley; and their five children and spouses: Russell (Catherine) Draper, Utah; Renee (Ollie) Orem, Utah; Regina (Tyler) Plano, Idaho; CoyLou (Ian) Tokyo, Japan; and Rex (Kayleen) Plano, Idaho. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and his sister SanaRae. His parents and siblings preceded him in death: JC, Coleman, LaThel, and his grandson, Mason Weddle.

We will miss Paul deeply, but his memory lives on in the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the legacy he leaves behind.