Paul was born into a military family and traveled all over the world as a youth. He attended college at the University of Missouri and played in varsity athletics while majoring in chemistry. While employed by a division of Reading & Bates Offshore Drilling Company, he worked in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. He then bought the construction division of the company. He served as President of the Pipeline Contractors Association and on the International Association in Paris.
Serving as a Vice President, Director and Chairman of the Board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, he has supported the college education of over 100 students in Texas. When asked why he devotes so much time and resources to the rodeo, he has the best answer of any volunteer. When his wife was being treated for cancer at M.D. Anderson Hospital, one of her doctors was a recipient of a rodeo scholarship that the Somervilles had helped to fund.
Paul is a committed Christian and believes in helping others while encouraging their faith in God. Paul and a superstar entertainer rented a stadium in rural Texas and put on a concert for local church groups.
Partnering with his friend, I. W. Marks, he supported the opening of Beauty and the Beast and the Phantom of the Opera and several other events. He has served on the boards of numerous charities and art organizations in Houston.
He has served on the boards of public companies and continues to serve as a member of the dean’s advisory board of the school of engineering at the University of Missouri. Paul is on the board of the Houston Police Foundation and is serving as the chair of the Men of Distinction luncheon.
Paul enjoys riding horses on his ranch with his daughter. He is very proud of his daughter and her charitable efforts.