Paul D. Fishell

Paul Deo Fishell, 67 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away at his home on Thursday evening, January 4, 2018 following an illness. His family was at his bedside. He was born July 22, 1950 in Battle Creek, Michigan to the home of Deo Merritt and Rosa Icil (Jones) Fishell. He grew up in Battle Creek and Ceresco, Michigan. Paul graduated from Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek. A U.S. Army veteran, Paul served from June 30, 1970 until his honorable discharge on June 21, 1973. He served during the Vietnam era and was assigned to the 2nd Army Security Agency Company. Paul worked as a long haul truck driver from 1973-1994. He made Fort Sumner his home in 1984 when he came to care for his grandmother Mary Jones. Paul worked for New Mexico State Monuments at Bosque Redondo Memorial, New Mexico State Parks at Conchas Lake State Park. He worked at City of Rocks State Park in Deming, New Mexico, Conchas Lake State Park, and Brantley Lake State Park. He retired in 2015. Paul also served as a De Baca County Deputy for five years during this time. Paul married Debbie Jean Spitz on September 11, 1999 in Fort Sumner. He was a member of Fort Sumner Church of Christ, Fort Sumner Rotary Club, and the American Legion at Conchas Dam, NM. He enjoyed travelling the country. Paul is preceded in death by parents, his step mother Elsa Maxine Fishell, grandparents Burley Dee and Mary Viola Jones, and a brother Stanley Edward Sandage. Survivors include his wife Debbie Fishell of the home in Fort Sumner, step son Glenn Russ and wife Renee of Clovis, step daughter Valerie Russ of Portales, his mother and father in law Eddie and Norma Jean Spitz of Fort Sumner, two granddaughters Brie Russ and Risie Russ, a step sister Lee Anne Wrate and husband David of Battle Creek, Michigan, nephews and nieces Bobby Don Sandage, Darla D. Sandage, Denice Hubbard all of Amarillo, TX. Larry Noga, Andrew Noga, Virginia Kinglsey, Kathy Jo Heisler, Kathleen Harris, along with many other relatives and good friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at the Fort Sumner Church of Christ with Mr. Silas Shotwell officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311