Paul Michael Nolan

Paul Michael Nolan “Mike” beloved father, son, father-in-law, paw-paw, uncle, and friend passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, July 30, 2017. How fitting that he finally got to rest on the day of rest – Glory to God in the highest.

Mike was born in Burkburnett, Texas on March 8, 1944, to the late E.P. and Thelma Lea Nolan. Growing up he lived in Estelline, San Antonio, and Beaumont, Texas, which is where he resided from 8 years old until joining the United States Marine Corps at the young age of 17. As a marine, he served in Vietnam as a tank gunner. He received the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. While Vietnam created many “battles” he would face throughout his life, it was one of his proudest accomplishments … with the exception of only one other … his daughter Jessica Nolan Hallmark … the absolute love of his life.

Mike was the best daddy a girl could ever hope to have. He devoted his entire life to Jessica, working tirelessly to provide for her, loving her unconditionally, and making certain that she knew that she was loved by him, and more importantly God. He made certain she knew that her faith in God would see her through, as well as his own love for her … he was a “Good, Good Father.”

After Jessica married, life was a bit difficult for Mike; however, he continued on by working and through the help of his brothers from Vietnam. He joined the USMC Vietnam Tanker Association and reunited with many of his Vietnam brothers. One Vietnam brother, Chris Olsen, called or texted Mike every day until the end, and would always end by telling Mike how much he loved him.

Mike was able to remain at home until he took his final breath, thanks to his nephew Ray Allen Campbell, Jr., as well as Altus Hospice. Ray Allen gave everything he had to make certain that Mike’s last days were as peaceful and happy as possible.

Mike was not afraid to die, and he faced his death like the true soldier he was – Semper Fi.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Sonny Nolan, and his sisters, Billy Marie Duke and Phyllis Smith. He is survived by his beloved “mama” Lucille Nolan Wright and his only child, Jessica Nolan Hallmark and her husband Stephen, in addition to their children Lucy Jean Hallmark and the triplets, Bella Ann, William Nolan, and Mia Helen Hallmark of Beaumont, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters Jeanneè Bates and her husband Wayne of San Antonio, Texas, Susie Breen and her husband Neil of Austin, Texas, and Kay Beard and her husband Bobby of Beaumont Texas, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews – all of whom he loved dearly.

I (Jessica) would like to personally thank Ray Allen, “Yo-Yo,” (Altus C.N.A.) and Jessica (Altus R.N.) for the care and comfort they provided to not only my daddy, but to me too. I want them to know that this walk for me and daddy would have been much more difficult but for them carrying us through those last months.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to his church home, Christian Fellowship Worship Center or Vietnam Veterans of America.