Paul Lester Dempsey

July 17, 1954 - April 18, 2022

Paul Lester Dempsey, age 67, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife and children at his side on April 18, 2022. Paul was born on July 17, 1954 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He was the third of six sons born to Lillian Wishek Dempsey and Lester Calvin Dempsey and was raised in Wishek, North Dakota. Paul was proud of his family's heritage as founders of Wishek in 1888, which had an important impact on the family values that he treasured throughout his life. Paul attended Wishek Public Schools and later graduated from the University of North Dakota where he was a letterman for the Fighting Sioux football and track teams. Paul earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance in 1977 and his MBA in 1979, then headed to Chicago to start his career. Shortly thereafter, Paul’s best friend and Minnesotan college roommate said, “Let’s get out of the snow.” It was that conversation that initiated his move to Dallas in 1980. Paul joined Smith Barney Harris & Upham Company followed by Underwood Neuhaus & Company, and helped to open the office for Robert W. Baird & Co. with colleagues and friends of whom he would work with for more than 30 years. In 2002, he joined Stifel, Nicolaus & Company as Vice President of Investments. Over Paul’s career he maintained a much-respected reputation for his unwavering loyalty to, and integrity towards his clients. In 1989, Paul met the love of his life, Lynn McVicker, on a blind date. They knew immediately they were kindred spirits and married on March 23, 1991. Together, they celebrated the birth of their son, Samuel Lester, in 1993 and daughter, Nicole Lynn, in 1995. Paul’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was devoted to coaching and playing an active role in the various activities Sam and Nicole pursued throughout the years. He was involved in his Church and enjoyed being a guiding hand, which was evident in his involvement as a Youth Sunday School teacher and a leader in Boy Scouts. Paul was an avid runner. He and Lynn enjoyed going for runs at White Rock Lake and the trail by their home. He loved being outdoors, whether it be camping with his family, working in the yard, gardening, or just sitting by the pool. Most of all, he looked forward to time on the beach in South Padre with the family each year. Paul enjoyed telling a good story, a trait he got from his mother, Lillian. He had a huge heart and was a loyal friend who enriched the lives of those he touched. He was a generous, kind, and humble Christian man who would sacrifice anything for the ones he loved. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Lester. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lynn; his son Sam; his daughter Nicole; his brothers John, Steve, James, Dave, and Mark; as well as many beloved family members. A memorial service to honor Paul’s life will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home, main Chapel, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas TX, 75243. Graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church Richardson, P.O. Box 830877, Richardson, TX 75083. Service can be viewed via http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/72665/hash:A2CDE1D777953251