On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, surrounded by his family, Markus Paul left his earthly home for a better one bright and fair. Born on April 1, 1966 to Isiah Paul Sr. and the late Jeannie Lorraine Paul, Markus was their first-born son and their pride and joy. It was by their love and guidance that Markus would grow into the man we all knew and loved. Markus Paul was a faithful and humble servant of God and he served Him in every area of his life with grace and humility.
Markus attended Osceola High School where he played football and was an All-State quarterback and defensive back. He led the Kowboys to the 1982 Class 3A title game. He attended Syracuse University where he played football from 1984 to 1988. He holds the school record of 19 career interceptions, and as a senior he earned 1st team All-American honors. The Chicago Bears selected Markus in the 4th round of the 1989 NFL Draft where he played for five seasons, finishing his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Markus would have a short stint in the insurance business before being offered his first position as an assistant strength and conditioning coach with the New Orleans Saints where he joined longtime friend, Mike Woicik. From there, he would go on to coach with the New England Patriots, the New York Jets, the New York Giants, and finally with the Dallas Cowboys.
While Markus rightly deserves respect and admiration for the accolades he achieved in high school, college, as a player and then as a coach in the NFL, what motivated him daily was his faith in God and his love of family and friends. To his son, Jairus, "Be your own man," was something he heard from him constantly. To his "baby girl" Tabitha, Markus was a protector and always made sure she had everything she needed. To his stepson, Dwayne, Markus showed him what selfless and unconditional love really is; and to his stepson, Mathias, Markus showed him what a true man is and how to treat people, the happiness that his mother found with Markus was truly remarkable and will never be forgotten.
To his siblings, Markus was the best big brother anyone could ask for. He was their hero and his faith in God was something to be proud of.
He leaves loving memories to his wife, Heidi Paul, who he sincerely called "Beautiful", his children, Tabitha Paul and Jairus Paul, his stepsons, Dwayne Smith and Mathias Smith, and his grandsons, Miles and Camden Smith. He leaves his father, Isiah Paul, Sr., his sister Angela Taylor (Vince), his brother Isiah Paul, Jr. (Susan), and his brother Anthony Paul (Cassandra); as well as five nieces, two nephews, three great nephews and a host of family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 3, 2020 at North Colony Church of Christ, 6404 Paige Road, The Colony, Texas 75056. Markus will be interred in Narcoossee Arthur Fell Cemetery in St. Cloud, Florida.