Paul Nuttall

Paul Everett Nuttall, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was a kind, selfless person with a great sense of humor who left people better than he found them. Born on November 25, 1929, in Mesa, Arizona to his loving parents, Arthur John Nuttall and Letha Mae Miller Nuttall, Paul spent most of his childhood on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove, California. He was the second of four children and loved reminiscing about his youth. Raised during the depression era, his family helped sustain themselves with rabbits, abalone, and a milk cow. He was taught the importance of family at a young age which became the main focus of his life.

Paul’s industrious spirit was evident at an early age, working a wide variety of jobs. As a young newspaper boy, he delivered the paper announcing the attack on Pearl Harbor. In his teen years, he was a lifeguard and set bowling pins. As he grew, he worked for a moving and storage company, a lumber yard, drove a truck, and even sold cemetery plots among other roles. His adventurous nature led him to earn the BSA Eagle Scout Award with two Palms. He also served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission.

Paul proudly served our country and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, where he met his forever love, Carol LaVerne Epperson. They attended the same church on the US Army base. Theirs was a storied courtship that they often recalled with fondness. Later, they were married in the Los Angeles Temple for time and all eternity.

Paul was the first in his family to attend college. He went to Brigham Young University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and his Master's degree in Child Development and Family Relations. He dedicated 29 years to the University of Connecticut as an Associate Professor for the Cooperative Extension Service. Beside teaching, writing a monthly child development newsletter for parents, and assisting graduate students, on UConn’s campus, he traveled throughout the state of Connecticut running workshops he created for parents to improve their communication skills with their children, he worked extensively with 4H groups, and pioneered radio and television shows tackling discussions on difficult topics such as sex education.

As an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Paul had a strong love for the scriptures and deep respect for the prophets. He enjoyed sharing his testimony of Jesus Christ with others. Paul served in numerous ward and stake positions such as Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Branch President, Bishop, High Councilor, and Patriarch. He also served, with Carol, as a temple worker for the Mount Timpanogos and Jordan River temples. Additionally, it was his honor to serve a mission with Carol at the Geneology Library in Riverton, Utah. 

Paul was a forward thinker and loved learning new technology. One of his most cherished skills on the computer was designing personalized birthday cards for his children, grandchildren, and growing number of great-grandchildren. He was an excellent story teller throughout his life and loved to have meaningful conversations with his family and friends. As an avid BYU sports fan, he shared his enthusiasm for his beloved Cougars with his family and they reciprocated by keeping him in blue and white BYU attire. All of their five children followed in their footsteps by attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He loved reading, driving cars, going to car shows, camping, watching movies, bowling with his children and grandchildren, and playing ping pong. All his family members will miss his creative pancakes! Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his sweetheart, Carol, listening to music, dancing the jitterbug, traveling together, and appreciating nature.

Paul was a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ in all that he did. He touched countless lives through his example, humor, devotion, and love. His joyful and calming presence will be missed but never forgotten. 

He is survived by his wife Carol LaVerne Epperson, his children: Laura Mae Nock, David Lawrence (Lisa) Nuttall, Cheri Lee (Don) Garner, Letha Lyn Mickowski, Daniel Everett (MickiAnne) Nuttall, 25 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: John Phillip Nuttall, Pearl Jennette Nuttall Brown, and Arthur DeVerne Nuttall.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11 AM in the River Ridge 8th Ward, 1409 West Shields Lane, South Jordan, Utah 84095. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:45 AM prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the American Fork Cemetery, 600 North Center Street, American Fork, Utah 84003.