Paul Agnew Obituary

Paul A. Agnew passed away Saturday, August 30, 2025, surrounded by his family in his daughter’s home in Aurora, Colorado. Paul was a new resident of Morning Star Holly Park in Centennial, Colorado, formerly a resident at MacKenzie Place in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he was truly a good man of great moral character, humility, honesty, generosity and intelligence.

Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on September 28, 1936 to Salvation Army officers Col. Milton and Col. Katherine Agnew, Paul was eight years old when they moved to Chicago, Illinois. He loved to tell stories of how he slipped into Wrigley Field to cheer on the Cubs. Paul played trombone from the time his arms were long enough through college. Paul was a “Math Whiz” honor student at Steinmetz High School. Through a combined program with North Central College and Illinois Institute of Technology, he earned a B. S. in Mechanical Engineering. Paul was as known for the creativity of his pranks as he was for his mathematical mind. In 1965 he earned a M.S.M.E. degree at University of Southern California where he and Sandi became faithful football fans, missing only one home game over the span of 30 years. He furthered his education with Business Management and Executive Management Certificates from UCLA.

He began his career as a Design Engineer at Bendix Mishawaka Division, near South Bend, Indiana where he met Sandra Lee Curtis. They married on September 9, 1961, beginning a journey of shared happiness for 64 years. A move to California in the fall of 1962 marked the beginning of Paul’s 30 year career at Hughes Aircraft Company. They soon settled in Pacific Palisades, now a family of four with the addition of Patricia Lee and Michael Curtis.

The family found a spiritual home at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica where Paul held many leadership positions. His civic spirit extended to the Y’s Men’s Club of the Santa Monica YMCA. As a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board he managed the Christmas kettle program. He was a dedicated father who supported his children's sports and activities.The family enjoyed many memorable adventures traversing the country in their motorhome, always making time to visit Sandi’s family in Indiana.

Paul’s technical abilities, leadership skills, and negotiating skills advanced him to Program Manager of Major Programs in the defense industry, winning contracts with customers in the United States, Germany, South Korea, and Japan.

His effective people management made him a sought after boss. He was a wise steward of his finances and thus able to take early retirement at age 55 at which time he he continued a lifetime of service wherever he lived, particularly with The Salvation Army and also as a Stephen Minister.

Paul and Sandi fulfilled his dream, moving to the 9th floor of Ocean Towers with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Retirement included activities with friends, church, travel, and fitness. In 1992 Paul managed the “Make Safe” Salvation Army recovery program on Kauai following Hurricane Iniki which led to returning annually for many years, often hosting friends and family.

In 1996, Paul and Sandi moved to South Carolina, where they integrated into the Chickasaw Point community on Lake Hartwell, close to Sandi’s sister and husband. Their home was a place of many joyful family vacations. Paul’s lifetime love of music prompted him to sing in the church choir.

Paul’s rich history in The Salvation Army began with his grandparents on both sides who were sent by the General in London to start “the work” in the United States. His father, mother, sister and many relatives served as officers. His father was a noted theologian and author and his mother a gifted musician and inspiring leader, both leaving an indelible mark on many lives.

Paul lived with great integrity and treated each person he encountered with respect and kindness in his professional endeavors and within his community.

Paul is survived by his wife, Sandi; sister Major Kathie Wood of Flower Mound, Texas; daughter Patti Agnew of Aurora, CO; son Michael (and Amber Walker) Agnew of Ben Lomond, CA; granddaughters Amanda Thomas of Aurora, CO; Natalie (and Caleb) Miller of Wellington, CO; Nicola (and Eleo) Souza of Corralitos, CA; Mahri Walker of Lake Tahoe, CA; and grandson Dylan Walker-Chargin of Boston, MA. Paul was known as “GreatPaul” to Mateo and Caden Souza and Samuel Paul Miller.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) or The Methodist Foundation of Santa Monica Shareringer Scholarship Fund in memory of Paul Agnew. (Make check out to The Methodist Foundation of Santa Monica with “Shareringer Scholarship” in the note section. Mail to Matt Crawford, Treasurer at 2416 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405)

A Celebration of Life will be held at Smoky Hill United Methodist Church in Centennial, CO on Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 pm. Livestream can be accessed on Facebook and You Tube, links found at https://www.smokyhillumc.org/worship