Paul Dionne

Paul Herve Dionne died peacefully with his family by his side on September 14 in Fort Stockton. He recently celebrated his 90th Birthday.

Paul is survived by his Brothers; Edmund Dionne of Alfred, FL and Maurice Dionne of Lakeland, FL, Children; Denise Johnston of Pipe Creek, Texas, Ann Murphy of Fort Stockton, David Dionne of Fort Stockton, Daniel Dionne of Highland Haven, Texas, Mike Hinson of Austin, Texas and Todd Hinson of Fort Worth, Texas. He had 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Hinson Dionne of Fort Stockton.

Paul was born in Nashua, NH on June 18, 1930 to Alfred and Lydia Dionne. He received an Undergraduate Degree from Colby College in Waterville, ME and his Law Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He served in the US Army Counterintelligence Corps during the Korean War. He practiced Law in Fort Stockton for over 60 years in both private and community capacities. Upon retirement from general practice, he adopted the Pecos County State Bank as his “work family”, where he spent some of the most wonderful, memorable years of his life. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the employees of the PCSB for all they did to make our father feel so loved and needed during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

The following is an excerpt from Paul’s own words that he requested be shared upon his passing:

TO ALL THE KIDS AND THE REST OF MY LARGE FAMILY, AND MY FRIENDS:

I am dead. I have always considered death a part of life and have not feared it. As this letter is being read, I either have appeared before or am standing in line to appear before, the Greatest Judge of All. I trust I shall be able to plead my case successfully.

We all hold our own ideas about life and death and what to do when we are Called, whether that be in the context of religious belief, or philosophical thought. I for one, however, (as those of you close to me already know), was never one for much pomp, circumstance, or ceremony.

To all of you kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and other family members, I ask that you not grieve - at least not for long. I love you today wherever I am, and have always loved you in the best way I knew how. I tried hard to be there when you needed me and tried equally hard to stay out of your hair when you didn't need me. I'll be around when you choose to think of me. You have given me much joy. I have lived a good life and have no regrets. Enjoy life with my small legacy to you and be kind to and love each other.

To my friends with whom I shared life in so many ways, I ask also that you not grieve. Remember the "fun times" we had together, and laugh at my many idiosyncrasies. Happiness is the greatest part of life and should be grasped as often as possible. Sorrow should be a passing thing adding only to fond memories of the times enjoyed together.

Since all of us have our own ideas of religion and what it is, I see no reason to impose upon any of you at this time my, or anyone else's prayers, bible readings, poems or whatever. In lieu of all that, I ask that you all take a minute or two of silence within which to pray, read the bible, sing, think, cuss, or do whatever comes to mind that makes you comfortable in saying or feeling your goodbyes to my body and soul. After that time is up, let us all go on with our lives - yours in your world and mine in whatever dwelling place our Lord has set aside for a character like me.

Goodbye with love,

Paul (Also known as Daddy, Pepere, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend, and whatever else depending on who you are.)