Paul Curtis Avery

Paul Curtis Avery
Born September 2, 1954, in Stanton, Kentucky, Powell County
Died August 25, 2021, in Perry, Oklahoma, Noble County

Proceeded in death by:
Wife, Mary Ann Clarke-Avery
Parents, Estel and Olive Avery
Sisters, Barbra Avery, Peggy Avery-Hilliard
Niece, Carrie Hilliard

Survived by:
Daughter, Danielle, son-in-law Jace Jacketta
Grandchildren, Domanic, Matteo, Chiara
Brothers, James Avery, Roger Avery, Steve Avery, Mark Avery
Sisters, Cynthia Avery, Lisa Avery
Seven nieces and twelve nephews

Paul was born in Stanton, Kentucky the fifth and youngest son and seventh child of Estel and Olive Avery. Two more sisters were yet to be added to the nest. As the new baby, Paul’s older brothers called him Bambino which was later shortened to Beanie. Among family, the nickname stuck well into his thirties until he insisted everyone use his given name, Paul. His mother continued calling him Beanie for many decades, though - old habits.
His father worked on seismograph crews and the family moved often because of that. Before Paul was a year old the family left Kentucky and moved back to where they came, Lucien, Oklahoma near his mother’s family homestead.
In 1957 the family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where a uranium exploration drilling job awaited his father. Grand Junction is where he began his education at a three-grade elementary school, Pear Park. In 1962 after completing 2nd grade the family moved to Covington, Oklahoma. Paul attended Covington elementary through the 8th grade. While in Covington, his family operated the family homestead, and his father was also town marshal for a while. At this time, Paul became interested in music, especially the guitar.
In 1968, the family moved to Moab, Utah for an opportunity in the uranium industry. Paul attended 9th grade through his senior year at Grand County High School, graduating in 1972. This period was the height of classical rock and Paul’s love of music flourished. He organized a band with a few follow classmates. To the annoyance of the neighbors, the fledgling band performed their only public appearance on the upstairs balcony of his parents’ house. Paul become more proficient on guitar and taught himself piano. Paul also worked a few jobs. He helped his parents develop and operate Canyonlands Camp Park for a time. One of his jobs was as a flagman for a highway construction crew. One day the traffic sign he was holding was struck by lightning. After a trip to the hospital, he recovered but had headaches for some weeks later.
The family wouldn’t move again for nearly 30 years, but Paul soon moved on after graduation. In 1974, Paul enrolled inSouthern Utah State College at Cedar City, Utah. Along with music, Paul had a passion for history and philosophy and his studies followed these lines. While in college, Paul formed another band, Justice, and began playing publicly. Paul’s personae as the philosophical rebel musician was set.
Paul remained in Cedar City playing music and attending college until 1978 from there he lived for a short time in McNary, Arizona. Again, he connected with a band. This time it was county western. This didn’t last long as “The drummer couldn’t keep a beat.” However, they did play several dances. In 1980, while visiting his brother in Saint Johns, Arizona, Paul played piano at the Apache County Fair. He was well received.
In 1985, Paul’s father died at the age of 73 in Grand Junction, Colorado. The family was crushed.
Deciding it was time to continue his education Paul moved to Tahelquah, Oklahoma enrolling in Northeastern State University. He chose this school because of the proximity to Sallisaw, Oklahoma where his older sister lived. His mother would move to Sallisaw from Moab in 1998. Paul began pursuing a teaching degree. He also continued with his music, learning to play the violin and flute.
Paul earned a teaching degree and excelled at public debate. Winning several awards in debating Paul was honored by being allowed to speak in the Oklahoma State Legislative chambers, which he did.
It was in Tahelquah that he met Mary Ann Clarke. They married in March 1991. Mary Ann was disabled by Multiple sclerosis Disease and Paul became her sole caregiver. Tragically, Mary Ann passed away in 1996. She was only 33 years old.
Paul was understandably lost for a time but eventually found a position as a live-in caregiver for an elder man and his disabled son. Paul worked for the family for 11 years assisting in day-to-day chores. The younger man loved travel and Paul was fortunate to visit places like Acapulco, Cancun, and NYC. Paul had developed skills as a photographer and over the years and put them to good use.
Following the death of both men, Paul was without a job. By 2005, his mother had moved to Perry, Oklahoma to be close to the family homestead which was established by her ancestors in the 1893 Cherokee Land Run. Paul and his mother agreed that Paul would live with her in Perry to assist her pursuit of improving the homestead and day-to-day chores. At his ever-optimistic mother’s age of 90, he helped her plant over 20 pecan and fruit tree sapling on the homestead. Paul also took other jobs such as the custodian at a nearby high school and CertifiedNursing Assistant at a local nursing home.
Paul’s mother pass away in January 2016 just a few days from her 97th birthday. Since that time, he had lost two sisters and a niece.
Paul passed away August 2021 in the home left to him by his mother. He was 66 years old. Paul lived his life on his own terms, never comprising his principles. His love of music and ability to play music helped carried him through the many disappointments and tragedies of his life. He was an avid reader with an extensive library. He loved sharing what he had learned in life and telling stories. He was especially proud of his daughter Danielle and his three grandchildren who all share his love of music, Domanic with guitar, Matteo with drums and Chiara with singing. He will be missed by all he left behind.
He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Mary Ann and among his parents and ancestors at the McGuire Cemetery near Lucien, Oklahoma.