Paul J. Pumphrey
August 2, 1925 ~ February 10, 2024
Born in:
Bellingham, Washington
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Paul J. Pumphrey died on February 10, 2024, at the age of ninety-eight and a half. He was born on August 2, 1925, in Bellingham, Washington, to Opal and Paul A. Pumphrey. His family moved to LaSalle, Colorado, in 1933, and to Colorado Springs, in 1934. He was preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Paul A. Pumphrey; brother, William C. “Bill” Pumphrey; wife of 28 years, Marie Caldwell Pumphrey; and son, William R. “Billy” Pumphrey. Paul is survived by his wife of 41 years, Karla Hassloch Pumphrey, as well as children: Jaelee (Robert) Jones, Pueblo; Dr. Robert Pumphrey, Colorado Springs; John (Sue Ann) Pumphrey, Decatur, Alabama.; Clint (Lori) Pumphrey, and Kristin Pumphrey, Georgetown, Kentucky. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.
Paul earned the Eagle Scout Award in Boy Scouts in 1941. He graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1943. Paul served in the Navy V12 program and the United States Merchant Marine during WWII from 1943-1945. After the war, he attended the University of Colorado, and during that time, he served as Master Counselor, Order of DeMolay, Colorado Springs. Paul and his brother, Bill, moved to Pueblo in 1946 and started and operated Cleaver Carpet Center in downtown Pueblo. Paul continued running the business until the end of 2015. In 1983, Paul graduated with distinction from the University of Southern Colorado with a BS degree in Mass Communications.
Throughout his years in Pueblo, Paul was actively involved in many civic organizations. He served on Pueblo’s City Planning and Zoning commission, member/chairman from 1973-1986. He was active in the YMCA for years and was a member of the YMCA Heritage Club, and a member of BPO Elks #90. He served on these boards: Broadway Theater League, Pueblo Country Club, Pueblo Kiwanis Club, Rosemount Museum, Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, and was a 30 Club member/president. He was the recipient of the 2008 Downtowner Award, Pueblo Downtown Association. Paul was the proud Father of three Eagle Scouts. He was an avid reader, private pilot, skier, runner, tennis player, scuba diver, and traveler in the US and abroad, and his inquisitive mind continued to value learning until the very end. His entrepreneurial interests included downtown development. He was forward-thinking and an advocate for the revitalization of downtown Pueblo.
Paul was active regionally and nationally in the floor covering industry. He served on the boards of the National Institute of Rug Cleaning and of the National Floor Covering Council. He was a charter member of the National Association of Floor Covering Installers. Paul was president of the Western Floor Covering Association from 1972-1973. He also served as president of the Retail Floorcovering Institute/American Floorcovering Association from 1977-1978. He remained active in the World Floor Covering Association, after the two associations merged. He was inducted into the World Floor Covering Association “All Industry Hall of Fame” in 2012.
Paul was committed to his family and dedicated to their success. He had a keen awareness to detail and never lost his desire to learn. He led a full, productive life, and will be missed by all who knew him. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7).
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Having know the family during my early life, I send the most heart felt condolences.
Karla and loved ones of Paul. Fond memories of working in the floor covering field with him. Nice man. So sorry for your loss. Joe and Mitty Solano
My Dad:
Some men have a midlife crisis, and maybe he did.
In the early 1980’s, Paul was in his mid-fifties. I’ve never heard that he looked to improve his car or a need to upgrade to a new neighborhood, but he did decide to change his life dramatically. He fell in love with a young southern “gal,” and took on her twin toddlers. Grateful doesn’t do justice. Blessed am I to have been able to discuss with him on many occasions just how much I loved and appreciated his sacrifice. As well as, how crazy I thought he was for doing so. According to my mom, he was once asked about their age difference. His reply was, “If she dies, she dies.”
He was quick-witted intertwined with a naturally principled character. You knew how he felt about an array of complicated current events (and otherwise) if you asked and listened. Often learning more in the process. One may not have agreed with him but would admirably know where he stood. With his life experience, he was usually right. Regardless, respect was given for differences and friendships could endure, ah sweet traits of days gone by…
How do I put this without offending? The man was an “enduring righteous dude.” He had the persistence of Chuck Norris combined with the glare and directness of Clint Eastwood. Without bloviating, the epitome of my perceived attributes came on a trip home from church, in the minivan. An articulate and agitated motorcyclist behind us with a likely broken horn was about to remember that day forever, just like me. And so it goes, the second consecutive red light turned green along with successive horn issues. No words. No cause for panic. Just a parked minivan, being exited by my dad. After he sternly explained to the man how the situation should have been handled (aligned with very aggressive finger pointing), his arm swiftly extended. Then followed a brisk not so subtle slap to the man’s face, that catapulted the perception of my dad’s awesomeness to an uncharted status. Still no words. Just a faint whimpering and a minivan going home about to hit the next red light.
Dad you impressed upon me: the joys and intrigue of travel, appreciation for the arts, a political outlook that is subjectively common sense, not to blame others, and a hard work ethic. A work ethic that had to be earned, that I hated earning but strive to impart. You showed me that you valued the joy of giving over taking, appreciated or not. And I love that you taught me that it’s okay to laugh at yourself.
Can a life really be reduced to translucent excerpts or a litany of achievements? Such a thought truly pains me when thinking of my dad. I know, as has been promised, I will one day see as he now sees, and his words that remain will again be heard aloud.
Grace. Faith. Solace.
Love you Dad – Clint
Hi Karla, my heart goes out to you. Paul fought a good fight . Yours truly rachel
I’ve known the Pumphrey’s my entire life. Paul and Karla were the first folks to visit me after my son was born, March 17, almost 40 years ago. They brought me an Irish shamrock plant that I still have sitting in a huge pot in the south window of my kitchen.
As a neighbor and friend of the family, I grew up with the Pumphrey kids. The Pumphrey’s were my second family. I have many great memories of Po. Mr. Pumphrey was an inspiration both with his business sense and his sense of design. The rock gardens he built were incredible. The colors and furnishings and carpet in their home were unforgettable. I’ll never forget the carpet covered car they had. He knew how to advertise. He knew how to be involved in the community.
I’ll always appreciate his influence. My love to the family and my oldest friend JP.
My condolences to the entire family! May God bless all in the family. Prayers for everyone!
I’m sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Paul was a good friend. I remember well how he helped me gather my equipment in the middle of the night after I rolled my truck on Beulah hill. He also sold me the best carpet I’ve ever had. Best to Karla and the family.
When I was 15 or 16, Mr. Pumphrey took me with him and his family to Aspen to ski with them.
I remember that trip to this day. It had an effect on the direction my life took. He was a good guy. Thanks Paul.
Mike Stanton
One of the nicest men I ever had the pleasure of knowing!
Karla and family,
I am so sorry about Paul’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Charles and Juanita DeHeart Our thoughts and prayers are with Karla and the family.
Paul was always learning new things and making a difference in so many ways all the way to the end. We are privileged to have known him. Our sincere condolences to Karla, Clint, and Kristen, and all the Pumphrey clan who we have heard about over the years.
As we travel through this journey of life, by chance or
coincidence, and maybe even by divine
intervention.
There are some people that have been put into our lives
that impact us teachers, mentors, and inspirations,
or just friends
They affect our lives Mentally, Physically, Emotionally, and
most importantly Spiritually
To become a better person.
It is with Honor, Respect and Love that I Thank you for being
one of those very special people.
By your Kindness, Generosity, and Good Heartedness it has
allowed me the Honor, and the Privilege of helping
others.
God has blessed me and countless others by having
known you I would like to thank you on behalf
of all of us.
May The Creator hold you as close to His Heart as you are to
Mine.
John DuVall
1/1/2011
Dear Karla, Kristin & Family – our thoughts and prayers are with you. Danita & John
I met Paul through his volunteer work on the Channel 8 Auction. We could always count on Paul to be there to run camera every year. He always had such a great attitude. I always enjoyed conversations with him. My condolences to Karla and family.
My name is Scott Humphrey and I serve as the CEO of World Floor Covering Association. One of my favorite memories in this position over the last 10 years was taking Paul to Washington DC to see the World War II Memorial. The WFCA and our board covered all cost when we reached out to the Merchant Marines to see if we could come by since Paul had served with the merchant Marines in World War II, they informed us that he had multiple metals coming to him that he had never claimed. When we got to DC, the head of the merchant Marines for the United States, came out and presented to Paul a framed plaque with all of his metals attached.
Paul was an amazing man, but more importantly, he was my friend. I am so blessed to have known him.