Lauren Arthur Paulson

Lauren Arthur Paulson, 77, of Show Low, AZ, passed away September 28 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. During the last few weeks of his life he was surrounded by children and close family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia Ann Paulson (Johnson) who passed away December 25, 2020. He is also preceded in death by his siblings: Don, Judith, Joyce and Harry.

He is survived by two sisters, Kathryn Barthell of Rainer, WA and Jan Paulson of Conroe, TX.

Lauren leaves behind his children, Susan Lea Demet of New Iberia, LA; Jennifer Lynn Paulson-Pettit (Steve) of Mesa, AZ and Jason Paulson (Laura) of Show Low, AZ.

Lauren’s grandchildren residing outside of AZ are Justin Alvin Carter of Abbeville, LA; David Lauren Hilton of Willis, TX and Colton Layne Bone of New Iberia, LA born to Susan Demet.

Lauren’s grandchildren residing in Arizona are Donovan James Pettit and Alyssa Relaine Pettit of Mesa, AZ, born to Jennifer Paulson-Pettit and Steve Pettit.

Lauren was born on August 26, 1946 to Eugene and Verna Paulson in Clinton, Iowa. The Paulson family moved to Ft. Huachuca, AZ in 1957.

Lauren was one of two “big brothers” in his family of 7 siblings, and he took the role of chief baby-sitter. He often watched his younger siblings when his parents were traveling. Although a sympathetic and compassionate big brother, he was also known for his practical jokes and silly ways of getting his siblings to “behave.”

Lauren’s father, Eugene, was a Major in the Army Air Corp and a WWII Veteran, which afforded the family residence on military bases while living in Puerto Rico, Virginia, Germany as well as several US military bases. The Paulson family also resided in Fort Monmouth, NJ when Lauren’s father worked for the Pentagon. His father’s military career as a pilot inspired his love for aircraft. Lauren was known to stop any conversation to listen or look up to identify planes flying overhead.

Lauren graduated from Buena High School High School 1966 in Sierra Vista, AZ. Following his graduation, he attended Cochise College in Douglas, AZ. During college, he met Cynthia Johnson and they wed in Benson, AZ in 1969. 

After college he became a police officer, working for the Douglas Police Department for 10 years. Lauren eventually moved the family to Show Low where he continued his law enforcement career.

Lauren rose to the rank of Lieutenant and retired after 20 combined years, serving the cities of Douglas and Show Low, AZ. 

Lauren was a lifetime member of the Show Low Elks Lodge, donating his time to Clothe-A-Child, Thanksgiving Baskets and the Children’s Christmas party. He was the official “Santa Claus” for many years and was known to take his “Santa Suit” on the road to Ms. Dinah’s Preschool and Ehmke’s Preschool. He also did special visits to families needing a little extra cheer during the holidays.

Lauren’s love of the forest and his dedication to upholding the 2nd Amendment and right to bear arms, led him to becoming certified to teach Hunter Education through the AZ Game and Fish Department for over 25 years. One of his legacies is the yearly Show Low Elks Gun Show, supporting Elks Youth Scholarships and other Elks’ programs for 30 years.

Lauren fervently fought for the rights of the underserved and disadvantaged in his local community. Following his retirement from law enforcement, he worked for the State of Arizona in the Division of Developmentally Disabled. He also worked for Arizona Long Term care, which sent him all over Northeastern Arizona, destined to advocate for those less fortunate.

Lauren always he chose to spread kindness and foster friendship among neighbors and strangers alike. He had a sense of humor that left a wake of laughter and goodwill wherever he traveled. His comedic side was well-known, evidenced by numerous jokes he had memorized over the years.

He loved camping, fishing and hunting in the forest as well as the Sonoran desert. The Chihuahua, Huachuca and Dragoon mountains were places he cherished and filled many-a-deer tag.

A Celebration of Life will be held 12:00 pm on Sunday, Oct. 29 at the Show Low Elks Lodge, located at 805 E. Whipple St., Show Low, AZ. 

In lieu of flowers, Lauren asked donations go to the Show Low Elks Lodge “Clothe-A-Child” and/or “Kids’ Christmas Party” programs.  Checks can be mailed to:  Show Low Elks Lodge #2090, Attn: Renee, PO Box 697, Show Low, AZ 85902. If you have questions, please email: [email protected].