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Submitted: 9/26/19 • Approved: 9/26/19 • Last Updated: 9/29/19 • R205930-G0-S3
Born October 18, 1920, to Paul, Sr. and Mary Crow Giraudin in Gainesville, Texas. After high school, Paul attended Cooke County Jr. College before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin. World War II interrupted his education and Paul was commissioned into the US Army Air Corp as a 2nd Lt, assigned to various aviation squadrons. His love of flying from his teens allowed him to be accepted as a pilot trainee immediately. In a cooperative agreement with the British, he was awarded his Wings both from the Royal Air Force and the US Army Air Corp. Among the more memorable assignments was flying C-46 cargo planes over the "Hump" between India and China. During his time in the Air Force, he met and married Bettie Pat Parham. They were married on December 15, 1945. He was honorably discharged as a 1st Lt and returned to UT where he completed his BS in Geology. He was hired by Marathon Oil Company and retired in 1970, having worked in Amarillo, Wichita Falls, and Corpus Christi. Paul was a member of First Christian Church in Corpus Christi where he was recognized as an Elder for Life. He also worked on the staff as Church Administrator for ten years. Following his retirement he devoted his energy to his woodworking talents. Many people brought their broken furniture to Paul for repair during his fifty years in Corpus Christi. "Fixing" things was just something he loved to do. His other love was music, both playing and singing. In his early years, he played drums in the Gainesville Community Circus, and the University of Texas Longhorn Band. He continued his musical interests as a bass in the church choir and as a charter member of the Corpus Christi Civic Chorale. He never had formal musical training, but did have an ability that was surpassed only by the pleasure he received from participation. During his 40 plus years with the Chorale, he had the opportunity to travel and perform in Mexico City, and numerous locations throughout the US, including New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Paul is survived by his son, Paul Giraudin, III, wife Elsie of Katy, Texas, and daughter, Patrissa Getz, husband David of Corpus Christi. Seven Grandchildren; Nicole Martinez (John), Scott Giraudin, Rachel Giraudin, & Clayton Giraudin, Laura Dow (Scott), Lisa Vickers (Bo), David Getz, Jr., and seven Great-Grandchildren, Luke, Colt & Lilah Dow, Addison and Kyle Martinez, Cooper and Riley Vickers.
1ST LT US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
Contributed on 9/26/19 by dshw
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Record #: 205930