Obituary of Paul Emerson Weide

Paul Emerson Weide, 93, of Fort Worth, passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2024, following a brief but serious illness.  Paul embraced every day with enthusiasm and brought warmth and positivity to everyone he encountered. He had an extraordinary ability for finding the silver lining in any situation, and the ability to see the best in people. He brought a sense of joy wherever he went.

Born on October 1st, 1930, in Woodson County, Kansas, to Paul Ernest and Marjorie Mentzer Weide, Paul grew up in Southern California where he lived until joining the Air Force in 1949.  While stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Lillian Spencer.  After a brief stint back in California, they moved to Austin where he attended the University of Texas. He earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering, while Mary worked in the Business School.   After college he began a long career with Texaco, before finishing his working life with the Western Company of North America,  where he put his Petroleum Engineering degree to use, scouting oil well sites. 

Paul was a devout Christian and he truly lived his faith. A chance meeting at Magnolia Avenue Christian Church, where his future wife Mary was active, led to a life of love and  connection, and their shared spiritual values kept their relationship strong.  Christianity was not just a part of Paul’s life; it was the lens through which he viewed the world, the foundation upon which he built his character, and the source of his strength, joy, and purpose. Paul and Mary also shared a love of music and travel and greatly enjoyed their yearly vacations to Pacific Grove.  

Paul  was practicing “mindfulness” long before it became trendy, and he was a firm believer in the mind-body connection, taking pride in his health and his exercise regimen.   Most recently, he was active at the Texas Health Southwest Fitness Center, where he was an inspiration to friends of all ages, especially with his mastery of the elliptical machine. He had recently joined a 2nd gym closer to home, where he was hoping to incorporate swimming into his workouts. Paul had a lifelong love of learning, which he instilled in both of his daughters, along with a great appreciation of nature.  He was a gifted storyteller and loved to craft a tale.  During his career, Paul was active with Toastmasters and Junior Achievement and loved the creative aspects of his work. He excelled at finding creative solutions to problems, often repurposing materials or using resources at hand in ingenious ways. In later years, it was interesting to see what he had fashioned around the house.  

Paul is survived by Mary, his beloved wife of 69 years and his daughter, Lynn Reese of Augusta, Georgia, both of whom adored him beyond measure, and nephews, Larry and Kent Traylor, of California.   He is preceded in death by his daughter, Katherine Elaine, and his sister, Elaine Traylor. 

Though he may no longer walk among us, his legacy of kindness and Joie de vivre will continue to inspire and uplift us.  Rest in peace, Paul.  Your light will continue to shine in our hearts.

There will be no services at this time.