Don Paris

Donald Dale Paris went home to be with the Lord November 20, 2022. He was born August 16th 1936 to Leslie and Annie Paris of Tahoka, Texas, where he lived until he graduated from Tahoka High School in 1954.

Don knew from a very young age that his successes in life would come with continuing his education. He followed his dream of playing college baseball and continuing his studies at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Sul Ross in Alpine, and West Texas A&M (WT) in Canyon. It was while in school at WT where he met his life-long best friend Shirley Miller, whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage in July 2022.

After graduating WT with a bachelor’s degree in Education, Don proudly served his country in the 4th Army National Guard from 1958-1964. Shortly after his honorary discharge from the Army, he began his successful career in education. Don’s early teaching assignments found him in Amarillo and Hereford, but it was in Kermit (DE instructor and baseball coach) where Don decided it was time to obtain his Master’s degree in Education and his principal certification. He would spend the next 19 years as principal in Grand Falls Royalty and Wellman-Union before retiring in 1992.

Don not only served in leadership roles in his professional life but he also served the Lord by leading and teaching in his secular life. He was an active Baptist church member by serving as a deacon for 40+ years, teaching adult men’s classes, participating on financial boards and pulpit committees, and working with the RA’s. He was an extremely loyal servant, and he served his Lord in every possible way.

The joy of his retirement years found him chasing his three grandchildren in all of their academic and athletic activities. From Kindergarten graduations to Master’s degree gradations, from little dribbler games to the state basketball tournament in Austin, and from many football games to regional track meets, he was so proud of his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He was a co-founder of the Pa’Nan scholarship fund that aided his grandchildren in achieving their educational goals. When he wasn’t chasing his grandchildren, you could find him in his shop building anything from toys to furniture or on an actual site building homes or upgrading homes or repairs for anyone in need.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, three sisters, and two brothers.

Those left to celebrate his life are his wife, Shirley of Lubbock. His sons, Ty (Nancy) of New Home and Coy (Jamie) of Lubbock. His grandchildren, Monica (Cord) Beardemphl of New Home, Cody (Britni) Paris of Corinth and Meagan (Robbie) Fossett of Lubbock. Five great-grandchildren, Harper and Beckett Paris of Corinth, Graham and Keller Beardemphl of New Home and Collyns Kate Fossett of Lubbock.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for the Paris family.