R.J. graduated from Pauls Valley, Oklahoma in 1955. He attended East Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma, then transferred to Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical/ Petroleum Engineering in 1961. After graduation R.J. was transferred to McCamey, Texas, where he met Byrlene Harrison. They fell in love and married in 1965.
R.J.'s career took them on many adventures including living in Houston, Texas; Luanda, Angola; Lagos, Nigeria; as well as Monahans and Odessa, Texas. They loved to travel throughout Europe, including Portugal and Spain. R.J. was a collector of antique tools and his favorite was antique woodworking planes. He always made sure to keep up with computers and other technology.
R.J. is survived by his wife, Byrlene (Harrison) Paulsen; his brother David Henry Paulsen of Heber Springs, Arkansas, his sister-in-law Betty Paulsen of Heber Springs, Arkansas and many nieces. He will also be missed by his best friend Rocky.
R.J. was preceded in death by his father Raymond John Paulsen, Sr., his mother Thelma Gene (Sartain) Paulsen, and his sister Joann Carol (Paulsen) Hayes.
A memorial service will be held 10:00am on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Connections Christian Church located at 4214 Tanglewood Lane, Odessa. Services will be officiated by Reverend Doctors Dawn and Joe Weaks.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in R.J.'s memory may be made to Humane Society of Odessa, Tx, https://www.odessahumanesociety.org; and Connection Christian Church of Odessa, https://odessaconnection.church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankwwilson.com for the Paulsen family.
