Born on July 28, 1942, in Briartown, Oklahoma, he was the son of Joe and Pauline Jordan. Paul held many cherished roles throughout his life: a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, beloved brother, Navy veteran, and treasured friend. Paul graduated from Blackwell High School in 1960. At the age of 21, he joined the United States Navy in 1963 and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1969.
His family began with his marriage to Ruth Smith in June of 1960 and the birth of their two daughters, Suzie and Karen. On August 3, 1979, Paul married Jo Barber-Shields, beginning a love and partnership that would carry them through nearly five decades of life together. They blended their families, built a life side by side, and became one another's constant through all the seasons that followed. They shared a love for adventure, often traveling together on their Honda Goldwing, with the open road ahead of them and countless miles of memories made along the way. But more than the places they went or the miles they traveled, it was simply being together that made those years so special. Jo was Paul's companion, his partner in life, and the love who remained by his side through the years.
He spent many years working for General Electric before retiring on July 31, 2002. After retirement, Paul enjoyed working on older model cars and could often be found tinkering with one of the classics. He also loved browsing estate sales, a hobby he affectionately called "Junkin." When he wasn't out looking for his next find or working on a car, Paul enjoyed cheering on OU sports, watching NASCAR, or settling in to watch a good round of golf on TV. Retirement gave him more time for the simple things he enjoyed and, most importantly, more time with the family that had grown to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Pauline Jordan, and his daughter, Karen.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jo Jordan; siblings, Bobby Jordan and Joyce Mefford; and children, Suzie and Trent Davis, Kimmie and Mark Turner, Kristi and Rich Eckerd, and Matt and Amanda Shields.
He also leaves behind a large family who had the privilege of calling him Papa: Brent and Ashley Davis; Sara and Anirudh Venkatesen; Layne and Kaylee Turner; Carson and Cady Turner; Kylie and Chase Helms; Wyatt and Lena Eckerd; Bryce Eckerd; Dayne Eckerd; Kaedynn Shields; and Rilynn Leven.
His family grew even more through the years with the addition of his great-grandchildren: Everest, Levi, Liam, Haiden, Peyton, Charlie, Whitley, Isai, and Amara, with another great-grandchild soon to join the family.
He leaves behind a family that spans generations and countless memories that will continue to be shared for years to come. While his absence will be deeply felt, his place within his family will always remain. He will be remembered, loved, and missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Paul will be carried to his final resting place by those honored to serve as pallbearers: Brent Davis, Layne Turner, Bryce Eckerd, Carson Turner, Dayne Eckerd, and Wyatt Eckerd. Honorary pallbearers: Levi and Liam Turner. Funeral services for Paul Jordan will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at First Christian Church in Blackwell, with Rev. Donnie Hazelwood officiating, and burial to follow at Blackwell Cemetery.