Paul Edward Madeley

Paul Edward Madeley, 97, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas. Paul was born in Conroe, Texas on February 6, 1925, to Elillian Kelley Madeley and George Bell Madeley. While growing up, Paul showed a curiosity for understanding and building all things electrical and mechanical. At age 16 his parents allowed him to purchase the disassembled parts of a broken Harley-Davidson motorcycle. To their surprise, Paul patiently put the parts together and enjoyed riding his new bike. After graduating from Conroe High School in 1942, he hitchhiked to North Carolina with only $20.00 in his pocket to join his brother working at a local radio station.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to work in communications which only increased his desire to learn new technologies. Following his service in the Navy, Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston where he was inducted into the Honor Societies of Phi Theta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. While in school, he worked as the broadcast engineer for the morning show at KPRC Radio. Paul loved the University of Houston, he was a loyal alumnus and an enthusiastic fan of the Cougars.

After graduating, Paul made a name for himself in the rapidly developing oil exploration industry in Houston. He helped develop various startup companies and was granted several patents on seismic recording techniques, electronic timing systems and cathode-ray tube photographic displays.

His early entrepreneurial efforts attracted the interest of large companies in the field of oil exploration. During his professional career, he served in various leadership positions for iconic companies like Geo Space Corporation, Litton Resources Systems and Lockheed Martin Corporation. He traveled for business all over the world, including Europe, China, Japan, India, Africa and South America. After his retirement, Paul was recruited to serve as the technical consultant for a new business named Chesapeake Sciences Corporation, later acquired by L-3 Communications. Professional memberships included the Geophysical Society of Houston, Society of Exploration Geophysicists and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Like so many other members of The Greatest Generation, Paul balanced his work and family life with grace. On November 18, 1950, Paul married Ann Roth, the love of his life, at Heights Christian Church in Houston. They met on a blind date and together they raised three daughters. They were faithful members of Memorial Drive Christian Church and were blessed with many friends in the church and community. Paul and Ann enjoyed traveling and playing bridge with friends and especially enjoyed escaping to Las Vegas for some blackjack. He played the ukulele and the banjo and built a television from scratch for his girls. Over the years Paul’s varied interests led him to pursue hobbies such as photography, computer programming and the study of quantum physics. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. It was not uncommon for any one of his ten grandchildren to seek Granddaddy’s advice about computer science, electronics, and most importantly, life in general. Married for 61 years, Paul and Ann were beautiful examples of integrity and kindness to all.

After Ann’s passing, Paul relocated to Fort Worth to be closer to his family. He joined University Christian Church and continued his love of learning while participating in his beloved Monday Night Study Group. He was frequently found performing magic tricks and handing out Hershey Kisses to his adoring great-grandchildren.

Paul is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Ann; brothers Arthur Lee, Carl Thomas and George Neal Madeley.

Paul is survived by his daughters Candace and husband Teb Thames, Paula and husband Terry Drennan and Carol and husband Dean Wilkerson; 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Bobby Ellington; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Paul will be forever loved and missed.

For those desiring, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the Madeley family.