RIP, PAUL

Man jumps to his death at camping area in Box Elder County

MANTUA, Box Elder County — A man causing a disturbance at a campsite died Sunday after police say he ran from deputies and jumped 100 feet out of a tree.

Paul Howard, 49, was contacted by sheriff's deputies around 11:40 a.m. at the Lower Doc Flats camping area near Mantua. He was allegedly yelling and causing a disturbance to other campers at the time.

Box Elder County Sheriff Kevin Potter said witnesses reported Howard was "acting intoxicated."

Deputies found Howard on a mountainside and asked him to come down to speak with them. Ignoring their requests, Howard intentionally jumped out of a tree and fell into a ravine, said Box Elder County Sheriff's Lt. Jim Summerill. The fall was estimated by deputies to be 100 feet.

A search and rescue crew later recovered Howard's body from the ravine.

Police haven't ruled Howard's death a suicide and the intent of his jump was under investigation Monday, Summerill said. Sheriff's officials would not release his hometown, only saying Howard was a Davis County resident.

Obituary for Paul Rulon Howard

Paul Rulon Howard passed away May 22, 2016. Paul was born on October 19, 1966 

in Seattle, Washington to George Matt and Beth Olcott Howard. He grew up and was

 a life-long resident of the Davis County area where he attended school until his 

Junior year at Davis High school. His senior year of high school, Paul moved to

 Richfield, Utah, and graduated from Richfield High School. In high school Paul excelled

 at speech and debate—often leading the debate team, and won many first places at 

state and regional competitions. He had a knack for public speaking, and did very well

 in competition. Paul was also very active in their sports program in football, baseball

 and wrestling. He also was on the football, baseball and wrestling teams at

 Richfield High School and also was very active in student government as a student officer.

After high school, Paul went on to play football at both Dixie College andUtah State University, 
as well as wrestling at Utah State. He was an Amateur Golden Glove Boxer in Ogden
 and also had a love for horses and spending time at the rodeo. Paul loved the outdoors, 
and spent a lot of time in Richfield and in the Mountains of Sevier County, as well as the 
mountains in Davis and Weber counties. Paul was also a Contractor in the Construction 
Industry. He was very talented in many aspects of construction and could build anything. 
He also worked in the journalism department at KSL broadcasting for many years. 

In December 1985 Paul married Laura Robinson, who he met while attending 
Richfield High School. Paul and Laura had a daughter named Reagan, and later
 divorced in 1986. On September 5, 1993, Paul married Devona Allen in Kaysville, Utah.
 Devona and Paul had three children together, Jacob, Jessica, and Johnathan. 
Paul and Devona later divorced.

Paul is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was very active
 in the scouting program by serving in many capacities including working at Camp Bartlett
 in the Uinta’s. He was an Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. 
He was an avid “Outdoorsman”, and enjoyed camping, hiking and riding. Going camping
 with his children brought great joy to him. He had a great sense of humor and was known
 as quite the jokester—he enjoyed making people laugh. Paul also played the guitar and enjoyed coaching sports but was happiest when he was in the woods with his kids. He was a lover
 of life and simple things. He appreciated nature and old values.

Paul is survived by his children (in order of eldest to youngest): L. Reagan Florence, 
Jacob Rulon Howard, Jessica Elizabeth Howard, Johnathan Patrick Howard, and
Dylan James Howard. Paul is also survived by his granddaughter Monroe Virginia Florence, 
and his siblings, George Maurice Howard, and Kimberly Howard.
 He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

A visitation for Paul will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at 
Provident Funeral Home 3800 South Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah. The children of Paul 
suggest that donations be made to the Funeral Costs for Paul Howard at gofundme.com. 

Paul is my cousin.  He was adopted by my Uncle George (Mom's younger brother) 

and Aunt Beth.  He was 8 years younger than me. I don't think he married Dylan's
mother, and she passed away 10 years ago.  He lived with Uncle George and
Aunt Beth until they passed away.  He will be living with an older sister (not Paul's
child).Dylan is 17, and will be a senior at Roy High School. 
Drugs.  Such a waste of a life.