David Paulding

David Bruce Paulding transitioned to his heavenly home peacefully on the morning of June 21, 2023, surrounded by his family. Dave was born on April 12, 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Leo and Glendola Paulding, both of whom preceded him in death along with his brother, Roger Paulding, sister, Modell Kesner, and brothers-in-law, Andy Pesta, and Rob Allison. After graduating from Webster High School in 1963, Dave completed 2 years of college before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Before deployment, Dave married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret Ann Claver, on August 28, 1965. He began his active duty service in January of 1966 during the Vietnam war, and was stationed at Fairchild AFB, Washington, supporting a B-52 squadron. Dave was also stationed in Guam, where the squadron flew bombing sorties into Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1970. Shortly thereafter, Dave and Margaret were blessed with their daughter, Andreana, in 1970, and six years later, their beloved son, John. They raised their family in Oklahoma and California before eventually settling in Texas. By the grace of God, David and Margaret remained life-long friends. Dave later met the love of his life and the “apple of his eye”, Lark B Allison. He always loved to share the story of the night they met at Studebaker’s. Dave cherished the 38 years he had together with Lark at their home in Terrell, Texas. Together, Dave and Lark created many lasting memories raising their daughter, Ryanne, with Andie and John completing their family. They worked together to build a home full of love. Dave and Lark always took pride in their beautifully landscaped yard and backyard oasis where they spent countless hours listening to music and hosting some of the biggest and best family events. Their hard work did not go unnoticed as they were awarded “Yard of the Year” twice, in one case even while Dave’s health was in decline. Affectionately known as “Big Dave” by his children’s friends, and “Jumbo” by his co-workers, Dave was a giant teddy bear, hilariously funny, and filled with love for life. He was a huge fan of music, movies, sports (especially football and golf), fast cars, great food, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Oklahoma University Sooners. He loved his German Shepherds; Lady, Sheba, Shatze, and Shadow were his faithful companions over the years. He loved to cook; Big Dave’s Chili and Pawpaw’s Green Beans were famous among family and friends. And he loved to take his kids and grandkids shopping, often spoiling them as though money were no object. But Dave also modeled the value of hard work for his family, and encouraged them not only by his words, but also by his example, that good things always follow when you do your very best. Dave was an illustrious salesman for 32 years, at one point being named Scotts corporation’s “Man of the Year” for three consecutive years. He was also a well-known and highly respected car salesman in the Dallas-metro area and met some of his closest friends while working for W. O. Bankston, John Eagle, and Randall Noe. After surviving a severe heart-attack in 2000, Dave decided it was time to change pace and took a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield where he worked as a security officer until his retirement in 2012. Other than his backyard oasis, California was Dave’s favorite place in the world, and more than anything, he loved sharing both with his family. During their annual summer vacations, driving down Pacific Coast Highway 1 (or to any beach town, for that matter), Dave would belt out all the words to a song, show off his dancing “moves,” and demonstrate his love and knowledge of music by quizzing his children to “name that tune or singer.” He would also share trivial stories from history and make up road trip games when the grandkids started to ask, “How much longer?” Always in a hurry to get there, himself, Dave was no stranger to an occasional speeding ticket or two on the way to family vacation. No doubt his love for fast cars, particularly his Corvettes, may have had something to do with that. Dave’s number one priority was always making sure his family felt his love all the way until the very end. Even when his speech or strength would fail him, he would send a text to share a fun memory, let them know he was thinking about them, and always that he loved them. The proudest title he ever held was being Pawpaw to his grandchildren. Dave left his lasting legacy and his words of wisdom with his grandchildren. He loved to let each one know how much they were loved and how proud he was of their accomplishments. Left to cherish Dave’s memories are his love of his life of 38 years, Lark Allison; daughters: Andreana Patsch and husband Stephan, Ryanne Hamilton and husband Ryan; son, John Paulding and wife Rachel; grandchildren: Joshua Reiner and Jackie Parras, Gracie Hamilton, Chloe Patsch, Allison Hamilton, Emily Patsch, Josiah Paulding, Noah Paulding, Caleb Paulding, Owen Hamilton, Abigail Paulding; lifelong friend Margaret McBride; brother, Jerry Paulding and wife Misti; sisters-in-law: Ann Allison, Della Jo Pesta, and Gena Hunter and husband Michael, and multiple nieces, nephews, and extended family. Dave will always be remembered for his famous jokes, golfing skills, unique and loveable mannerisms, pride for his country, and being the gentle giant. Dave always gave every part of himself that he could and will be immeasurably missed. He lived a life definitely worth celebrating. Funeral services of Dave are scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, 2023 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel. The family will receive guests one hour prior to service time.

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David Paulding

April 12, 1945 - June 21, 2023