Paul Norman Killingsworth

Paul Norman Killingsworth was born October 16, 1945 in Phoenix, AZ. His father, O.W. Killingsworth, pastored in Tolleson at the time. Their family moved to Yuma a few years later where his father pastored Yuma First Assembly. As a teenager, Paul began preaching revival services as a travelling minister in both AZ and Southern CA. He was ordained in 1970 while serving his first pastorate in Payson. He would go on to serve as assistant pastor at Sunnyslope Assembly in Phoenix, followed by pastoring in Winkelman until being elected as Director of Youth and Christian Education for the Arizona Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God. He next served as pastor at Prescott First Assembly. In 1985, he was elected as pastor of Yuma First Assembly where he served for 35 years, retiring in 2020. In addition to serving as district youth director, his leadership service to the Arizona Ministry Network included: assistant presbyter, presbyter, executive presbyter, and assistant superintendent. After retiring, he served as pastor emeritus of Yuma First Assembly. As he would say, he changed his mailing address label to HEAVEN on August 18, 2024.

He married his bride, Karen Louise Layman of Yuma, AZ, on August 21, 1966. They were married for 57 years and 362 days. Their daughters and sons-in-law are Paula and Kelly Milner of Yuma, AZ, Karla and Paul Reichard of Chino Valley, AZ, and Janela and Timothy Meacham of Springfield, MO. His grandchildren are Jessica Milner, Irasema Milner, Jazmin Delgadillo, Darbi (Jeremy) McMullen. His great-grandchildren are Halen and Amelia McMullen, Dixie Baker, and Lorenzo Milner. He is loved and will be deeply missed by additional family members and friends worldwide.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Olin Wendell and Lillian Mae Killingsworth; his brothers, Roy Wayne and John Leon Killingsworth; and his sister, Melba Jean Killingsworth.

Pastor K, as he was most frequently called, was known for being a man true to his word, a champion of faith in Jesus Christ, a gentle giant. He has left a great legacy and some call him a legend in his own right. He loved God with all his heart, lived and taught the Word of God without shame, and provided an excellent example of living, loving, and leading well. His family is a testament to this as are many around the world who have been touched by his depth of belief and passion for excellence in serving God.

A memorial service for Paul will be held Monday, September 2, 2024 at 2:30 PM at 1st Assembly of God, 3000 S. Ave. B., Yuma, AZ 85364, followed by a reception at 3:30 PM.