Paul Longmire

On Wednesday afternoon, December 14,2016, God sent his angels to escort Paul James Longmire to his heavenly home. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Glenda "Dodie" (Luce) Longmire. He is also survived by his children Kevin Longmire and wife Debbie of Luling, Kerri Barker and husband Keith of West Columbia, Kristi Hayes and husband Chad of La Vernia. Paul was affectionately known as Poppy to his grandchildren; Kandace Bowman and husband Patrick, Collin Longmire and wife Jerra, Cameron Longmire, Katherine Barker, Karoline Barker, Conor Longmire, Sydney Hayes, Corter Longmire, McKenna Hayes and Stratton Hayes. Poppy also had three great grandchildren, Landen, Owen and Kennedy Bowman. He was further survived by his brother Dr.Warren Longmire and wife Terry of Santa Fe, his sister Sarah Gutekunst and husband Johnny of Conroe; brother in law, Ed Luce. Paul was preceded in death by his infant son David Paul, his parents W.T. and Irma (Maxwell) Longmire; in laws, Sail & Gladys Luce and four brothers Mack, Jerry, Charlie and Lloyd. Uncle Paul was deeply loved and respected by his many nieces, nephews and their families.
Paul was born in Refugio, Texas on June 12,1936, the third of seven children. While in High School he and several friends went to the local jail and conducted church services with the inmates, this was in addition to his farm chores, he threw newspapers, mowed yards, drove an ambulance for the funeral home and helped his dad in his construction business. After graduating from Woodsboro High school in 1954, he attended Wayland Baptist University and The University of Corpus Christi where he majored in business and theology.
Paul and Dodie met at Alto Frio Baptist Encampment in the summer of 1954, they were married four years later while in college. During college Paul continued to work at the funeral home, Corpus Christi Naval Air Station and Roughnecked all while preaching on the weekends at a small country church in Seven Sisters, Texas. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in West Columbia. Paul was an ordained pastor, deacon and Sunday school teacher for sixty plus years. Paul and Dodie moved their family from Corpus Christi to West Columbia in 1969, where Paul worked for Dow Badische until 1976 when he became a master electrician and started Longmire Electric. Paul was involved in many community service organizations such as Lions Club, Volunteer Fire Department, Little League and Babe Ruth. Paul was a loving, caring man of God always ready to assist those in need, whether housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, or giving jobs to the unemployed. His thoughtful actions touched many lives, he truly believed in giving without expecting anything in return. Because of his varied life experiences it enabled him to give many people great advice. Poppy was a great storyteller that never met a stranger, always seeking knowledge, and enjoyed visiting and drinking coffee with his buddies. Paul's life has always been about serving the Lord. He was hugely loved and will be greatly missed.

Services will be led by Pastor Ryan Lintelman at First Baptist Church in West Columbia on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Interment to follow at Columbia Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Donations may be made in Paul's memory to First Baptist Church 226 S Broad West Columbia, Texas 77486.

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