Paul Anstine

On May 28, 2026, Leslie “Paul” Anstine, 101, of Houston, beloved husband of Dulene Dollins Anstine, peacefully entered his eternal rest with our Lord and Savior, surrounded by love. He was born on May 21, 1925, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Leslie Clem and Alta Hester (Remy) Anstine, the third of four children.

Paul grew up in Wood River, Nebraska, and graduated from Fremont High School in 1943 and was a lifelong Cornhuskers fan. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country. He completed Boot Camp in October 1943 at Farragut, Idaho, and attended Navy Signalman School in Idaho, finishing his training at San Francisco Bay Treasure Island, California, in April 1944.

Upon completion of training, Paul was sent to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in May 1944, and boarded the S.S. James H. Kinkaid Troop Transport for the invasion of Guam. He later transferred to the S.S. Bartlesville Victory Cargo Ship for the invasion of Okinawa and subsequently served aboard the USS LCI 630 in Shanghai, China. When the war ended, he was on the USS Lubbock in the Philippines and the ship was ordered to return to San Francisco Bay Treasure Island/ Navy Base in March 1946; then he boarded the Troop Train to St. Louis, Missouri and disembarked at the Lambert Navy Air Field and returned home to Nebraska following his honorable discharge in April 1946.

Soon after returning home, Paul enrolled at the National Business Institute in Lincoln, Nebraska, earning his certification in Accounting and Business Administration in 1948. He was hired as a Title Accountant by the Howard Supply Company and moved to Los Angeles, California. In August 1949, he returned to Nebraska to attend Hastings College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in May 1952.

After graduation, Paul accepted a position with Shell Oil Company in Midland, Texas, as a Title Accountant and Staff System Analyst. While working there, he met a Title Accountant named Dulene Dollins, who quickly became the love of his life. They married at First Baptist Church in Midland in May 1956 and shared over 65 wonderful years together. In August 1962, they were blessed with their daughter, Leslie Ann.

In May 1963, Paul accepted a promotion with Shell Oil Company and moved the family to Houston, Texas. In November 1964, he and Dulene welcomed their son, David Paul. Paul dedicated 35 years of faithful service to Shell Oil Company, leaving a lasting impact on colleagues and the community.

Paul and his family were active members of Willow Meadows Baptist Church for many years. Known for his humility, kindness, generosity, and selflessness, he never hesitated to help when needed, serving on numerous committees. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives, attending school events, sports practices, recitals, and lessons of all kinds.

An avid sportsman, Paul enjoyed bowling, football, basketball, baseball, golf, fishing, hunting, boating, and outdoor cooking (his hamburgers and steaks were legendary). Golf was his greatest passion; he won several tournaments, earned multiple trophies and plaques, and scored a few “Hole in Ones.” Paul and Dulene were active members of Riverbend Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas, for over 30 years, where he also served on the Board of Directors. He participated in the Houston Shell Open, helping transport professional golfers and marshal tournament crowds. Together, Paul and Dulene traveled extensively, participating in golf tournaments and sightseeing across the country.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Clem and Alta Hester (Remy) Anstine; beloved wife Dulene Dollins Anstine; son David Paul Anstine; older sister Janice Anstine Fischer; older brother Jack Daryl Anstine; and younger sister Carol Anstine Compton.

He is survived by his daughter, Leslie Ann Anstine Swanner (husband Ben); grandson Benjamin Swanner (wife Jamey) and their children Arabella, Charlie, Jensen and Penelope; granddaughter Lauren Swanner (significant other Brian Schmahl) and their children Kaiya, Lexie and Haylie; grandson Kevin Swanner (wife Tara) and their children Zachary, Aubree, Morgan, and Lainey; grandson Jason Swanner (significant other Madison Amador) and their son Dexter; nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all medical teams, including Dr. Eloy Cavazos, Jr. and Dr. Michael Mineo for their compassionate care and support and the Vantage Palliative Care/Hospice team, for their compassionate care and support. Also, special thanks to the strength trainers Cliff, Eugene, and Ty at TIRR, personal caregivers Benita and Juana and all lifelong friends and neighbors whose love and devotion brought immense comfort.

Visitation will start at 1:00pm at Willow Meadows Baptist Church, 4300 W. Bellfort, Houston, TX on Friday, June 5th, 2026. Following visitation, the funeral service will begin at 2:00pm with Pastor Craig Taylor officiating. Pallbearers: Ben Swanner, Benjamin Swanner, Kevin Swanner, Jason Swanner, Ronnie Dollins and Mark Dollins. Honorary pallbearers: Dr. Steve Rosenbaum and Mr. Bill Sharber.

Flowers may be sent to Earthman Funeral Home, Bellaire, TX. Memorial contributions may also be made in Paul’s name to Willow Meadows Baptist Church. A private graveside burial will be held at Gladewater Memorial Park Cemetery, Gladewater, TX, on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at 11am with Pastor Tommy Gray officiating.