Paul Leroy Mallow

Paul Leroy Mallow, 92, passed away May 5, 2020, with family by his side.

He was born on June 3, 1927, in Chariton, Iowa, and was the only child of Fred and Anzo Mallow. The family moved to Longmont, Colorado, when he was 10 years old so his father could pursue work in the mines. Paul's first job was delivering newspapers via his bicycle. He was always picking up jobs growing up, even working one of the sugar campaigns at the sugar factory.

After graduating from high school, he joined the Merchant Marines in 1945 and served until 1947. When he arrived home, he worked on a tunnel job near Estes Park, Colorado. In 1948, he started his oilfield career with Oilwell Supply in Casper, Wyoming. After 30 months, he was called to the Army in 1950, serving in Germany. Discharged in 1952, he returned to Oilwell Supply in Glendive for a year and then to Williston, North Dakota, in 1953.

On April 21, 1955, Paul married Betty Johnson from Watford City, North Dakota. She joined him in Williston and the following year had their first daughter, Jo Ann. In 1957, Paul was transferred to Farmington, New Mexico. In 1961, they welcomed a second daughter, Paulette. In 1975, Paul had the opportunity to transfer back to Williston near Betty's family. They went and he retired from the company after 33 years in 1982. Paul worked for a few other oilfield supply companies and, in 1994, Paul and Betty decided they were done with North Dakota winters, so they sold their home and moved to Mesa, Arizona. They loved retirement and made some wonderful friends at Sunland Village East, where they lived. They took long car trips during the summer months to visit family and see new places. In 2007, they moved to Billings to be closer to one of their daughters. Paul and Betty continued to keep in touch with all their Arizona friends and Paul's many oilfield buddies, in addition to enjoying visits from Betty's North Dakota family. He loved the oilfield, always keeping track of the price of oil, watching where the hot spots were and how they were doing new things. No need for any of the family to check the weather report or what the stock market was doing - just call Dad - he always knew. Paul made some great pancakes and did an awesome job with the BBQ grill! Paul enjoyed watching golf, a good baseball, basketball or football game. He loved a road trip, drove many millions of miles through his life and was always ready to go again.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Betty. He is survived by daughters, Jo Ann (Wayne) Peterson and Paulette Mallow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc. or The Salvation Army.

A private graveside service will be held at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.