Paul Curington

Paul Williams Curington passed peacefully from this life on August 20, 2010, in Highland Village, Texas, at the home of one of his daughters. He was under hospice care there the past three months for pancreatic cancer, and was 80 years old. A longtime Corsicana resident, Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Overton (Cap) Curington, Sr., and Annie Irene (Ann) Williams Curington; brothers Dr. James D. (Jim) Curington, Sr., and C. O. (Bud) Curington, Jr.; first wife Jane Burkett Curington; 2nd wife Harriett Finch Welter Curington; and daughter Emily Curington McGinnis. Born in Corsicana, April 17, 1930, Paul lived there nearly all of his life. His family’s roots in Corsicana date back to 1883. Both his father and paternal grandfather served as Navarro County sheriffs; his paternal grandfather also later became district attorney. When Paul was eight years old, his family moved into quarters at the county jail and lived there eight years while his father was sheriff. This period in Paul’s life produced a rich collection of stories he loved to tell, as well as a birthday party where all the boys spent time behind bars. Paul graduated from Corsicana High School in 1947. He then entered Navarro Junior College and became a charter member of the “Barracks Bunch,” attending classes in the Army Air Corps barracks located at Corsicana Field. After graduating in 1949, he enrolled at North Texas State University in Denton (now UNT) and graduated in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Soon after, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, applied to OCS after basic training, and later attained the rank of 2nd lieutenant. While still in Denton, he met Jane Burkett of Fort Worth on a blind date. They “clicked,” and were married on July 5, 1953. The newlyweds moved to Denver, where Paul was stationed at Lowry AFB. After an honorable discharge, Paul returned to Corsicana, later serving in the Texas House of Representatives in 1961-62 as a member of the 57th legislature under Gov. Price Daniels. Decades later, he served for six years on the Navarro College Board of Trustees. Paul and Jane were devoted parents to their three daughters, Sally, Amy, and Emily, making loads of memories along the way. Jane passed away in 1988 at the age of 57; Emily in 1993 at age 33. In 1991, Paul married Harriett Finch Welter, who passed away ten years later. In 1997, Paul retired after a 35-year career with Texas Power & Light and its later identities: TUMCO, TU Electric, and TXU. For many years, he commuted to Dallas from Corsicana because he felt it important to raise his family there. The last seven years of his tenure were spent in the Mineral & Relocation Administration Department. Paul’s interests and activities included these: old cars, hats, old movies, his grandkids, his cows, playing the trombone and guitar, his apartments, politics, singing tenor, and watching football. He was active at First United Methodist Church in Corsicana, where he was a longtime member of the Friendship Class and the Chancel Choir. Paul’s participation in high school, junior college, and old-timers bands also reflected his deep love of music. Paul is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Slimp of Irving, TX; daughter Sally Martinez and husband Pete of Helotes, TX; daughter Amy Bone and husband Michael of Highland Village, TX; son-in-law Matt McGinnis and wife Susie of Corsicana; and grandchildren Jennifer McGinnis, Wes McGinnis, Peter Martinez, and Angela Bone. He is also survived by brother- and sister-in-law Frank and Sue Burkett of Fort Worth, and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation will be Friday, August 27th, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home, Corsicana, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 28th, at First United Methodist Church, Corsicana, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Mike Alexander officiating. Graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Wes McGinnis, Brice Bonner, Chip Curington, Chris Curington, Jay Curington, John Curington, Trey Curington, and Mike Kaster. Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 320 N. 15th Street, Corsicana, TX 75110; Mercy Hospice, 417 Oak Bend, Suite 170, Lewisville, TX 75067; or your favorite charity. Paul W. Curington never met a stranger. A “character” on the outside, he possessed even greater character within. “Dad, we miss you already.”

Paul Curington

April 17, 1930 - August 20, 2010