David Dare Paulus Jr., M.D.

After graduating Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Virginia, David attended the University of Oklahoma where he followed in his father’s footsteps, earning a Doctor of Medicine. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Upon graduation, he completed his residency in Radiology at Vanderbilt University.

Immediately after, he served his country by joining the U.S. Army as a medical doctor stationed in Alaska. David then joined the Diagnostic Radiology Department at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and was blessed to be part of the original team that was instrumental in starting the Mammography and Breast Imaging Department. He served as a Professor in Radiology, specializing in Mammography and detecting breast cancer, teaching many of the radiologists of today. David practiced at M.D. Anderson for fifty years, retiring in 1992 and working then as a consultant for the hospital until August 31, 2013, 50 years to the day of his first day.

David was a humble, selfless and dedicated man who worked tirelessly for his love of medicine and his family. He was a devoted husband, married to his wife Ann for almost 46 years who he called ‘his one and only”. His daughter Carrie was the apple of his eye and his life was truly dedicated to these two women. When Carrie met her wonderful husband John, she knew she had found a man as good as her father. Together, they gave the greatest gifts David would ever know… his grandchildren, Grace and Luca. David’s every moment since they were born were about loving them. And it is because of his love and family values, that his legacy will live on forever in these children.

David’s motto was “Work hard, play hard” and “Live your life as if today is your last”. David’s heart was in Aspen, Colorado, where he enjoyed many years of skiing and mountain life. He was an avid fisherman, having learned from his father. He loved fishing in Canada with his cousins, in Alaska with his best friend Joe Perrin and other friends and family, and closer to home in Galveston Bay. David was also an accomplished artist, with a love of landscape oil painting. And finally, his greatest past time love was Oklahoma football. A Sooner through and through, he never missed a televised OU game.

David was preceded in death by his loving parents, David Dare Paulus and Elsie Buckley Paulus; and sister, Elsie Paulus Sharbrough.

He is survived by his beloved wife Ann Mitchum Paulus; daughter Carrie Ann Paulus Vallone and her husband John Frank Vallone; and grandchildren, Grace Ann Vallone and Luca Paulus Vallone; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank his team of doctors: Dr. Alan Cororve, Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Richard Goldfarb, and Dr. Sumia Rashid for their excellent care. Many thanks to Toni Gillis, Gloria Castillo, and Gloria Scruggs for their dedication to his comfort and to the many friends and family who supported us in his journey.

A celebration of life will be held at eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 10th of May at Ascension Episcopal Church, 2525 Seagler Road in Houston, where the Rev. Todd Bryant, Rector, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Parish Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in David’s memory may be directed to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486; Ascension Episcopal Church; or the charity of your choice.