Paul Cecil Jensen

Paul Cecil Jensen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, uncle, and friend to all, returned to his heavenly home at the age of 94 on June 14, 2025. Although we were blessed to have him with us for so many years, Paul's presence here will be greatly missed. He was our rock, our hero, and our greatest example of enduring well to the end. Brilliant, warm, witty, humble, and faithful throughout his life, his great love for his family, friends, and Savior was always evident. We rejoice in knowing that he was greeted on the other side with open arms by his Heavenly Father and many, many loved ones. He is certain to be enjoying especially wonderful heavenly reunions with his eternal companion, Pat, his loving parents, and the older siblings he adored and missed so much. He outlived all those in his family of orientation and was competitively proud to have beaten the longevity record among his ancestors.

Paul was born on April 18, 1931 to Carl Einer and Blanche Hill Jensen in Logan, Utah. He grew up in Lyman, Wyoming and often talked of his humble, but extremely happy, childhood. He attended schools in Lyman and later the University of Utah, where he played the tuba in the University Band. He served an LDS mission to Denmark and loved every minute of it. His Danish heritage was precious to him and he remained fluent in the Danish language throughout his life. He married Patricia Ann Perkins in the Salt Lake Temple on June 18, 1954. They were the proud parents of four children (Cheryl Ann, Daniel Alan, Ryan Neil, and Carrie Lynn) and created homes in Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado; Gallup, New Mexico; Vernal, Utah; Lakewood, Colorado; and Bountiful, Utah. They made wonderful friends and were greatly loved wherever they resided. Paul served in the U.S. Army for two years (1954-1956). He was stationed in Germany and had the opportunity to tour Europe. He was very proud of his military service and extremely patriotic. He went to Barber School and worked with his brother in a downtown Salt Lake City shop following his return from the army. Although he continued to barber part-time in a home shop well into his 90's, he ultimately went to work full-time for the federal government (General Services Administration) and enjoyed a long, successful career as a motor pool manager. He also worked for the State of Colorado as a fleet manager before his eventual retirement. Paul had a strong, unshakeable testimony of the gospel and was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. He served in many callings, including Bishop, High Councilor, Ward Clerk, Stake Executive Secretary, and as a worker in the Denver and Bountiful Temples, to name but a few.

Paul was everyone's "favorite" and his impact for good was felt far and wide! His sense of humor, calm demeanor, kind manner, positive attitude, and wise counsel, along with his extraordinary faith, drew others to him. Paul had a deep love of family and was devoted to his large and ever-expanding posterity. He kept meticulous family records and never missed a birthday for those in his circle. He also loved computers and learning anything new about technology. He delighted in owning the latest and greatest "gadget." Paul enjoyed doing family history and genealogy work and his vast knowledge of computers was a great resource in that endeavor. Ever sharp, even in his advanced years he was our go-to guy for any computer-related questions. In his younger years, he also loved fishing, camping, hunting, and outdoor activities with his family. Later, he enjoyed visits with family and watching sporting events and westerns on television. Paul had a beautiful, tenor singing voice and participated in many solo and choir opportunities throughout his life. He met his wife Pat while singing in a quartet and they especially loved singing duets during their 57 years of marriage. They also sang and toured together in the Cornerstone Chorale and Orchestra while living in Colorado.

After several years as a devoted care-giver and following the passing of his wife Pat in 2011, Paul married his long-time neighbor, Adelia Carter Bell, on February 13, 2015. Oh, what fun they had - watching ball games, playing cards, studying the gospel, visiting family, and travelling. They were devoted to one another and enjoyed 10 very happy years together. We are so grateful for the loving way that Adelia and her family cared for Dad. They are our bonus family forever!

Paul was preceded in death by his precious wife Pat, his parents (Carl and Blanche), his siblings (Elaine, Boyd, Ruby, Frank, and Ted), and two sons-in-law (Dennis Peacock and Darwin Cottle). He is survived by his beloved wife Adelia Bell Jensen; his adoring children: Cheryl Peacock Cottle, Daniel (Melinda) Jensen, Ryan (Teri) Jensen, and Carrie (R.E.) Faulkner; his loving step-children Bret (Karla) Bell, Bary (Eileen) Bell, Becky (Kevin) Ball, Wendy (Scott) Higgins, and Tiffany (Kent) Schwager; 17 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; many "bonus" grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Until we meet again, Paul/Dad/Grandpa/Uncle Cecil … we will remember those twinkly blue eyes and that wonderful smile of yours and hold you in our hearts forever!

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Bountiful 27th Ward Chapel, 1145 North 200 East, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Viewings will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27th, at Russon Mortuary, 295 No. Main in Bountiful, and on Saturday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Bountiful City Cemetery.