Paul Read

Paul Edward Read, 94, of Canyon, passed away on July 13, 2023. Private graveside services will be held at Dreamland Cemetery on July 21, 2023. The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. on July 21, 2023, at Brooks Funeral Home in Canyon, Texas, to celebrate their memories of Paul.

Paul was born on February 22, 1929, in Newlin, Texas to Gladys Helm Read and Charles Read. Growing up on the farm taught Paul and his brother, Terrell, the value of hard work they took with them into adulthood.

Paul graduated from Estelline High School in 1947. After his graduation, he enrolled at Texas Tech University and majored in Animal Husbandry, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. His university study was interrupted by military service with the United States Army at Fort Carson, Colorado, from 1950 to 1952. He served as a sergeant and chief wheel vehicle mechanic during his time at Fort Carson.

He married Margaret Florence Brown of Hartley, Texas, on November 10, 1950, in Clovis, New Mexico. He met Margaret while attending Texas Tech (TTU). During his time at Tech, he competed as a saddle bronc rider in both collegiate and amateur rodeos. One week after his marriage, he reported for duty at Fort Carson.
After being released from active duty in the military, he returned to Hartley, Texas, and farmed with his father-in-law, Clifford Brown. In 1956, he returned to TTU to finish his bachelor's degree.

After completing his degree, he worked for the ASCS in Canadian and Canyon, TX. Later, he became the manager of the Taylor-Evans Farm Supply in Canyon.

In 1981, he purchased the Bellah Building on the square in Canyon and opened Read's Automotive. He and his son, Don, operated the auto repair business for 34 years. Paul opened the auto repair business in order to spend time with his son who functioned as his bookkeeper. He and Don were not only business "partners" but soulmates until Don's passing in 2015. Paul was Don's caretaker, day and night for 51 years.

Paul loved animals, in particular dogs, and music. He could listen to a song and sit down at the piano in his living room and play the music "by ear", a trait unusual for most. He always had music playing on a radio at Read's Auto while working on a vehicle. You might have seen him just sitting in his car somewhere listening to a CD. His house was filled with music playing on his CD player from one of his many CDs. He owned and loved many dogs in his time and felt a strong attachment to his four-legged canine buddies. He took many a nap stretched out next to his dog.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Terrell Read, his wife of 57 years, Margaret Read, his daughter, Paula Read, and his son, Don Read.

Survivors include his daughter, Marilyn Roberts and husband Michael of Canyon, grandchildren, Meagan Swatzell, Amarillo, Shawn Swatzell, Amarillo, Matthew Swatzell, Lubbock, Whitney Roberts, Austin, and Heather Satterfield, Austin; 17 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

The family suggest memorials to Hope Lives Here, PO Box 20811, Amarillo, TX 79114, or Amarillo Rescue Shelter, 12500 South Washington, Amarillo, TX or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hillside Heights for the loving care of Paul Read for the past 3 years. In addition, BSA Hospice has been diligent in their continued support of Paul's health.