Gerald S. Paden

Gerald S. Paden LUBBOCK-Gerald S. Paden, age 90, long-time Lubbock resident and life-long teacher and preacher, died on July 20, 2015. On Aug. 17, 1924, Gerald was born alongside his twin sister Geraldine to Oscar and Lona Paden in Commerce, Texas. He joined a family of older siblings Mildred, Ivan, Cline, and Harold then welcomed younger sister Patsy. The family moved to Lubbock County where he graduated from Idalou High School. During those lean dust bowl years, the family regularly competed in declamation competitions, practicing their pieces while hoeing on the farm thus paving the way, years later, to a life-time love of teaching and preaching. Gerald enlisted in the Navy in 1943 serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shipley Bay, CVE 85. He was honorably discharged in 1946, after which he married Bobbie Rhea Johnson. After their marriage, Gerald attended and graduated from Abilene Christian College and became a preacher for the Church of Christ in Meadow (1951 - 1953) and later in New Home (1960 - 1963). In 1953, Gerald followed his brothers Cline and Harold into overseas mission work, serving in Rome and Pisa, Italy, and planted small churches in the surrounding cities. Gerald taught himself to be an eloquent speaker of the Italian language, and with his Bible study, research, and many publications, became a sought-after lecturer in Italy and other European cities. Returning to Lubbock in 1971, Gerald joined the faculty of Sunset School of Preaching (now Sunset International Bible School), where he remained until his last days. No one who knew Gerald believes he could have done this without the love, support and encouragement of his beloved wife and co-laborer, Miss Bobbie. Along with her, he leaves behind his younger sister, Patsy Paden Whitson; his three children Joe Michael Paden and wife Lynn, Cynthia Paden Jennings and husband Mack, Ted Paden and wife Lura; grandchildren, Joshua, Scott, Lindsey, Andrew, Danny, Nick, Gabriel, and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the Sunset Church of Christ, 3723 34th Street in Lubbock. His fellow faculty members at Sunset International Bible Institute will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gerald Paden World Mission Fund at Sunset International Bible Institute. Please celebrate the life of Gerald by visiting www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com.