Edward Paul English was born in Ada, OK. on Feb. 17, 1937, to Alma I. (Knapp) and Arthur D. English. He was a graduate of Ada High School and Oklahoma City University. Paul was a multiple-award-winning journalist during a 50-year career. He began his career at The Duncan Banner for a short while then covered the Office of the Governor for United Press International, The Daily Oklahoman, and The Tulsa World. He also served as a board member of Freedom of Information Oklahoma, and was a former president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He was a tenacious watchdog over state government, greatly disliked by dishonest politicians, but respected by all. In 1995, he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the Oklahoma City Bombing. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame that same year. Former Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry designated Jan. 31, 2005, as "Paul English Day" in the state of Oklahoma for Paul's stellar commitment to the ideals of outstanding journalism. Paul also served as president of the Oklahoma City Board of Education for eight years. He was a fierce fighter for the integration of black students into white public schools, and proud of his role in shaping Oklahoma history. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Bill English and Donald English. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Peery Mount), daughter Melody English, son Richard English (Deini), stepdaughter Lisa Hall (Joe), stepson Michael Mount (Elisa), grandchildren Grayson, Miles and Ashylin English, step-grandchildren Mason, Kaylin and Carli Hall. The family wishes to thank Sue Roberts, Carol Woods, and Brad Ballard for their love and care for Paul during the most difficult of times. Visitation will be Sunday and Monday, 8a.m. – 8p.m. with family to greet friends on Monday from 6-8 p.m., at Hahn-Cook/Street and Draper, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., April 26, 2016, at Crossings Community Chapel, 14600 N Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, OK. 73134. Charitable donations may be made to water4.org.
Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.
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