Paul H Costa

Paul H. Costa went to Heaven on March 9, 2022 in Amarillo, Texas while his family held his hands. There has never been a husband, father, Papa or friend more loved than this precious man.

A celebration of Paul's life will be held at the Upton-Costa Family Ranch in the Upton-Costa Cemetery at 1:30pm Sunday, April 3, 2022.  Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home.

Paul was born in El Moro, CO. to Alex and Arlene (Ames) Costa on April 30, 1936. Paul lived in Trinidad with two sisters and two brothers. He moved with his family at a young age to Springer, NM where he graduated high school. He then went on to college at Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM for one year, then transferred to New Mexico State College in Las Cruces, NM where he graduated with an AG/Education Degree in December of 1959.  During his time in Las Cruces, he met and fell in love with Janie Upton. They started their life together on the ranch in La Cinta Canyon on June 11, 1960.

On top of being a full-time Rancher, Paul wore many hats.  From hauling cattle to hauling dry ice, from teaching Ag/Ed to becoming County Agent of Harding County.  Paul was also a member of AGR fraternity, the New Mexico National Guard, the New Mexico Mounted Patrol, as well as a trustee on the Springer Electric REA board for over 30 years. He received the New Mexico Cowbelle Man of the Year Award in 1993 and was an active member of Harding County, dedicating his time, knowledge, and support to helping the community he lived in for over 60 years.

Paul is preceded in death by his father Alex, mother Arlene, two sisters, Martha Benton and Carmela McDowell, one brother Alex Costa, and one son, Paul Bradley (Bub).

Paul is survived by his wife of 62 years Janie (Upton) Costa of Solano, NM, son Mike Costa and wife Rose of Farmington, NM; daughter Lylene Marguerite of Amarillo, TX; daughter Melanie Friemel and Husband Jim of Dawn, TX. He is also survived by grandchildren Wayne and Michael Costa, Christopher, Callie, and Corey Fischbacher, Landon, Maxine, Laramy, and Cydney Friemel, Stacy, Mindy, Aric, and Megan Costa. In addition, Paul is survived by 34 great grandchildren and one brother; Donnie Costa and wife Dee of California.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family suggest that any donations be made to the Harding County Fire Department or The Harding County Fair Board.