Paul Howard Harvel

    Paul Howard Harvel, who loved the State of Arkansas was born January 23, 1943 in Fort Worth, Texas. Paul grew up in Keller, Texas north of Fort Worth. His parents, Lillie Mae Adkison and Ross Howard Harvel were both school teachers and Paul’s family once vacationed in Arkansas; and for Paul the love of the State started right then.  After graduating from college, he came to Arkansas and taught school in Hope and after three years of teaching, he made a change. He took a staff position at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and he found the passion of his life. Paul had an ability to see what a community could become and had the drive to make that happen. A total of 53 years in the chamber profession, he was well known across Arkansas and the nation. Paul had a saying that he lived by in his Chamber work, “relationships first, success follows”. Paul’s beloved wife Barbara of 43 years has been right beside him in chamber work and other nonprofit organizations. 

    Paul was especially happy at his home at Mountain Harbor on Lake Ouachita, enjoying the lake with family, especially his grandson, and friends. He loved all sports, mostly the Razorbacks, water skiing, snow skiing in Colorado, and Broadway musicals in New York City. He loved doing things with his grandson and he was so proud of him when he graduated from the University of Arkansas…and already had a job!

    Paul was a generous person with his love, time and money for all his family and never missed an opportunity to help others as well.  He had a warm personality and great sense of humor that drew people to him; he was a person that everyone wanted to be around.  His heart was always open and full of love for his family, friends and the communities he served. One of Paul’s greatest personal passions was rescuing stray dogs, and there was always a supply down the road. He would take them to the vet and then find them their forever home. Paul has now found his forever home.

     Paul passed away on January 12, 2024 and is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his daughter, Michelle Boulden; son-in-law, Beau Boulden; grandson, Hunter Tuggle; niece, Lisa Ballew and nephew, Rodney Helm and their families.
   

    A Celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Immanuel Baptist Church (501 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock).  
   

    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul’s name to Warm Hearts Humane Society, PO Box 535, Mount Ida, Arkansas 71957; Ahimsa Rescue Foundation, 310 East Shauntel Blvd, PO Box 409, Mulrow, Oklahoma 74948; or your favorite charity.