Paul Floyd Liston

Paul Liston, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully at his home in St. George, Utah, on May 5, 2025. A man whose life was defined by his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, Paul’s kindness, gentleness, and sense of humor left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Raised in Cedar City and later Kaysville, Utah, Paul stood out early in life as a gifted student and athlete. He was a 1955 graduate of Davis High School, where he played three sports and was selected to represent Utah at Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. He continued his education at the University of Utah, serving in ROTC and playing halfback for the Utah Utes football team.

Paul’s dedication to service continued in the U.S. Army. He learned Mandarin at the Army Language School in California and was stationed in Okinawa from 1963 to 1966. He remained in the Army Reserve until his retirement as a Colonel in 1990, a role in which he served his country with honor and integrity.

After active military duty, Paul earned a graduate degree from the University of Michigan and went on to teach political science at Davidson College in North Carolina from 1972 to 1975. He later returned to Kaysville, where he pursued a career in real estate development and served in the federal government.

Paul’s life was transformed in 1975 when he trusted in Christ as his Savior. His faith became the foundation of everything he did—loving God and loving others. He served faithfully at Kaysville Bible Church as a director of the AWANA youth program, a choir member, a supporter of missions, and a member of the men’s Bible study group. His deep love for the Lord was evident in the way he supported and provided for his family, served his community, and pointed others to Jesus.

Even in retirement, Paul continued to invest in the lives of others. He spent three summers teaching English in China and never missed an opportunity to share the hope he had in Christ. He remained an avid outdoorsman throughout his life, cherishing time hunting and fishing with family and friends. In later years, he found joy in walking and cycling. He was also a loyal fan of the Davis Darts, Utes and Jazz.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cary Liston, his parents, Lee and Vera Liston, his brother, Jerry Liston, and his sister, Nita Thomassen. He is survived by his children: Richard (Blanche) Liston, Scott (Debra) Liston, Cynthia (Kevin Anderson) Liston, Robert (Susan) Liston, Jonathan Liston, Debra (Thomas) Sadlo, and Tara Liston; twelve grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Jennie Liston; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at Kaysville Bible Church (200 North and Flint Street, Kaysville, Utah) on July 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a meal and time of fellowship. All are welcome to attend. For those unable to join in person, the service will be live streamed on the Kaysville Bible Church YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@kaysvillebiblechurch11.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kaysville Bible Church missions fund in honor of Paul Liston. (P.O. Box 262, Kaysville, UT, 84037)

Paul’s legacy is one of faith, love, and service. Those who knew him will remember a life well-lived—for the glory of Jesus, his Lord and Savior.