Roll Call Tribute

(Published in) Lexington Leader (on) June 19, 2014

Paul Franklin Van Dorn, Sr.
Feb. 3, 1938—June 13, 2014

Paul Van Dorn, Sr. died at his home near Lexington, Texas, on Friday morning surrounded by loved ones. The middle of 5 children, he was born to Tyra Louis and Maggie Taylor Van Dorn in Liberty, Texas. He was united in marriage to Kay Woodward on June 25, 1966, at First Christian Church, Rockdale. This union was blessed with a son and daughter.

Paul graduated from Texas A&M with a B.S. and later earned an M.Ed. from University of North Texas. After having served in the Soil Conservation Service and the United States Air Force, he began teaching and coaching, a career from which he retired in 1993. He then pursued ranching interests in Lee County for the remainder of his life.

For the majority of his adulthood, he actively served in the Disciples of Christ churches in numerous capacities, including teacher, elder, trustee, and board chair. A compassionate man, he was motivated to support social justice by helping others, including students, neighbors, friends, and strangers. He was passionate about nature and the preservation thereof. Further, he was a well-rounded man with varied interests: enjoying nature, gardening, reading, fishing, singing, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. He remained grounded by meditating daily at “the point” in his pasture or in his back porch swing.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his brother Rev. James J. Van Dorn, father-inlaw Thomas Underwood, brother-in-law Fred Woodward, and sister-in-law Julie Underwood.

Those left to mourn his passing include his wife Kay, son Paul Franklin Van Dorn, Jr. with daughter Amanda, daughter Amy and husband Rev. Rusty Wright with daughters Madeline and Julia, siblings Damaris and husband Clinton McClendon, Arthur and wife Jan Van Dorn, Peggy Bryant, mother-in-law Ascenia Underwood, sisters-in-law Estell Van Dorn and Jan Woodward, brother-in-law Tom Underwood, and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church, Lexington, at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21st. In lieu of flowers, Paul may be honored by memorials made to one of his favorite charities, First Christian Church—Lexington, Doctors without Borders, Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries; or, you may chose a charity that is meaningful to you.