Danny Lee (“Dan”) Paddock of Houston, Texas died September 15, 2026. He was born in Houston, Texas January 31,1948. He was the fourth child born to Archie M. and Laura Belle Paddock of Willis, Texas. He spent his childhood in Willis, where he attended grades 1 through 12, before graduating from Willis High School. After graduation, he attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where his studies focused on physics and mathematics. After graduation from Sam Houston State, he briefly taught high school mathematics, before realizing that his affinity for mathematics, physics, and computer programming were better suited for a career in the science of petroleum exploration. His career advanced with the technology of the times, and he became an expert on geophysics, magnetics, and gravitational fields as methods of locating previously undiscovered oil reserves.
When he was not working, he loved camping, hiking, and canoeing with his close friends and family, and enjoyed visiting many State and National Parks. His enthusiasm for photography also allowed him to share these interests with family and friends. He looked forward to expanding these pursuits after his retirement in 2019, but was forced to adjust his plans by unforeseen medical issues. However, his love of the outdoors remained, and he was a lifelong environmental advocate and Sierra Club member.
Dan was easy-going, even-tempered, and dependable. He was always willing to listen, and to share his extensive knowledge and insightful perspectives. He was loved dearly by family and friends alike, and will be greatly missed.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Archie M. and Luara Belle Paddock and his older brother Archie Kenneth Paddock. He is survived by his oldest brother, Melville B. Paddock of Conroe, Texas, and older sister Olivia Dell (Paddock) Wise of Willis, Texas, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303, on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at First Methodist Church-Willis, 200 N. Thomason Street, Willis, Texas 77378, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Graveside service will follow at Willis Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Willis, Texas 77378.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the charity of your choice, or to the “capital campaign fund” to restore the historic sanctuary of First Methodist Church-Willis, where Dan was a lifelong member.
