Paul Corinthian Teas, Jr's Obituary
A Texas legend has been called home. There’s “one of a kind”. And then there’s “really one of a kind.” Paul was special. From a young man, through his 88th year, Paul lived his life to its fullest. Throughout the years, his stories – which were well-known for their larger than real life details and exploits – became known as “Paul Tales.” In early 1941, at the age of 14, Paul felt compelled to help the British forces, who were losing the air war to the Germans. So what does a 14 year old Paul do? He left home in Dallas (without his parent’s permission) and traveled to Terrell, where British pilots were being trained at the No 1 British Flying Training School. The instructors politely declined his earnest offer to fly in combat for Britain. When his parents arrived to pick him up, the threesome decided that a military academy, might be the necessary first step for a future military pilot. And so in the fall of 1941, young Paul began his Freshman year at St. John’s Military Academy, in Deerfield, Wisconsin. The school’s impact upon him was profound. While at St. John’s, he decided to become an Episcopalian, and was baptized in their chapel. For the next four years, he would serve as an acolyte, play football and run track. In 2010, at his 65th class reunion, Paul was the only alum, of five who attended from the Class of ’45, who walked the entire parade ground with the reunion classes. At 82 years old, he refused to ride in the golf cart! He wore his 1945 class ring to the day he died. Following graduation in June of 1945, Paul was stationed at Ft. Bening, Georgia, where he trained as a paratrooper. During a training exercise, Paul saved the life of a fellow paratrooper, whose parachute failed to open. Paul grabbed him and they both landed safely. After the war, Paul studied geology at SMU and was a member of the Deke fraternity. His Deke brothers were his brothers. More than 50 years later, Paul faithfully attended his monthly Deke dinners, held on the last Sunday of every month. As he did for years, Paul joined his Deke brothers for what would be his last dinner on January 31, 2016. In the 1950’s, Paul moved to Van Horn, Texas where he designed and built a ranch house on the Rocking T Ranch. He raised 1000’s of Santa Gertrudis cattle. Some of the first Santa Gertrudis cattle that were exported to Australia came from his ranch. During the filming of Giant, Santa Gertrudis cattle from the Rocking T were used in the cattle herd scenes. During this time, Paul’s son, John, was born. Some years later, Paul joined his father in developing a mineral exploration company – Lone Star Exploration – and moved to Australia. With his beloved wife, Millie, their daughter Kelly, and John, life in the Australian outback – exploring for gold, silver and copper was a Texas cowboy’s dream adventure. In 1976, the family returned to Texas. Both Paul and Millie became involved in national politics, and by 1980, Paul was the North Texas Finance Chairman for Ronald Reagan. Some of their most cherished memories were traveling with the Reagans, and attending the two Presidential inaugurations. Paul and Millie were natural campaigners, and they would remain life-long friends with the other “Reaganites”. With retirement came grandchildren. He was the greatest of grandfathers, enthusiastically attending countless baseball games, soccer games, regattas, band concerts, plays, basketball games, Christmas programs, Grandparent’s Days, ceremonies, and graduations. To his many nieces and nephews he was grand and adored “Uncle Paul”. His happiest birthday gift had to have come on his 87th birthday in 2014, when he learned that he was going to be a great-grandfather. Tears of joy filled his eyes – as they did again, in June of 2015, when he held his great-granddaughter, Charlotte, for the first time. Paul adored his son, John, and his daughter, Kelly, as well as their spouses, Chris and Michael. He was funny, witty, intelligent and generous beyond measure. He loved his family and his beloved wife Millie of 50 years, and especially loved Sonny and Honey (the “Goldens”) more than anything in his life. He was deeply committed to his faith in Christ, and in his later years, drew much comfort and peace in attending services at St. Michael and All Angels with Kelly and Michael. The family is especially appreciative of the extraordinary care and commitment that Dr. Jeb Miers shared with Paul – who was notoriously non-compliant! In addition, the kindness, tenderness and love shared with Paul by his caregivers, Emma and Marion, was profound, and the family is so thankful for their presence in his life. Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 3-5 PM at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be held on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 10 AM at The Restland Wildwood Chapel.
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