Paul Thomas Raschke

Paul Thomas Raschke slipped out of the grasp of a horrific disease which had robbed him of his life’s memories and peacefully passed into the arms of God, on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. Although his family and friends are saddened by his passing, we are comforted in knowing that his mind and body are whole again in his new heavenly home.

Paul is survived by his wife, Patsy Foley Raschke; one son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Cindy Raschke of Victoria, TX; two daughters and sons-in–law, Vicki and Dennis Lewis of Texarkana, AR, and Paula and Jerry Black of Lake Dallas, TX; one brother and sister-in-law, J.D. and Paula Raschke of Hope, AR; two sisters, Byrdie Burras of Dallas, TX, and Nell Cobb of Hope, AR; five granddaughters, Julie Black, Whitney Black, Mallory Raschke, Carrie Duncan, and Olivia Wells; and one great-grandchild, Lilyanne Duncan. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Jo Martin and Annie Bell Huckabee.

Born January 2, 1929, in Hope, AR, to Joe and Annie Byrom Raschke, Paul was raised in a large family in Springhill, AR, where he attended school. In 1950, Paul married Patsy Foley, making their home first in Dallas, TX, then Hope, AR, Clarksville, TX, and finally settling in Texarkana, AR. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on November 25, 2012. They enjoyed many activities together, including playing dominoes with family and friends, camping and traveling throughout Arkansas, and dancing—even when they were the only couple on the floor or there was no dance floor.

He was a loyal Razorback fan to the local Arkansas High School team and the University of Arkansas. He and Pat enjoyed many trips to Little Rock to “call the Hogs” and support their team. When he watched the “Big Hogs” on TV he always wore one of his Razorback shirts and caps and had his Razorback mascot by his recliner, ready to play the fight song with each score the Hogs made.

He was a member of Central Baptist Church. He worked in sales most of his life, the majority at Sears and always had a shining outlook on life.

Paul was a jokester and prankster who enjoyed a good laugh. He loved to make others laugh, but he could also laugh at himself. You never knew what he was going to put on his head – a bow from a present, his underwear, or his cap turned backwards. Most of the time taking a picture of him was not an easy task because of the number of faces he could make.

Paul was a smart man and was good with his hands. He could build, repair, or “fix” just about anything with a little creativity. From building his son, Scott, a bedroom out of a rickety back porch to nailing a large can next to the door to hold the newspaper, he had a solution for just about any home improvement project.

His grandkids—the girls—were very special to him. He was proud of their accomplishments and always talked about how beautiful they were. Much of his silliness was directed at the girls, but each of them could hold their own with him, giving him hilarious gag gifts that he enjoyed immensely. He set a great example for his grandchildren—teaching them to always save room for the “sweet” stuff in life.

A loving husband, wonderful father, awesome grandfather, faithful friend—Paul was adored by all who knew him.

Funeral service will be 11 A.M. Wednesday at East Funeral Home-Moores Lane with Revs. Phillip Dunn and Kenneth Bobo officiating. Burial will follow in East Memorial Gardens.

Family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 to 8 P.M. at East Funeral Home-Moores Lane.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Alliance, Inc., 104 Cypress Street, Texarkana, TX 75503.

Family and friends may leave tributes at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.

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