Paul Columbus Brabham

Paul Columbus Brabham, 89, born in 1923 in Glenmore, passed away peacefully on Sept. 10, 2012 following a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mixon Lee "Mickie" Leach (Richardson, Texas); his children, Monica (Dallas, Texas), Charles (Grapevine, Texas), Anne (Dallas, Texas) and Robert (Richardson, Texas); daughter-in-law Carol and grandson, Ian.
He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Martha Sanderson and husband, Ralph (Tampa, Fla.); Frances Watson and husband Robert (Montgomery, Texas); Dr. Carolyn Huntoon and husband, Harry (Barrington, R.I.); and brother-in-law, Claude "Buddy" Leach and his wife, Laura (Lake Charles). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Paul C. Brabham, Jr. (Leesville); parents, Wesley and Mitylene Bond Brabham, (Leesville); brother, Douglas Wesley Brabham; and sister-in-laws, Gloria Hope Owen and husband, Creighton (Leesville) and Stella Brabham (Leesville).
Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Sparkman Funeral Home in Richardson, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC) Cox Chapel, located at 3300 Mockingbird Lane. Interment will be at a later date, DFW National Cemetery.
Paul grew up on the family farm, graduating from Pickering High School (1939).
During World War II, as a staff sergeant, he was a sperry ball gunner in the 15th Air Force B-24, Liberator Group, completing 35 Combat missions.
Returning home, he went to LSU - Baton Rouge on the GI Bill, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering. He married Mixon Lee Leach (Leesville) on June 10, 1948.
After graduating from LSU, he returned to Leesville and worked with his father at the Brabham's Livestock Commission Market and Machine and Welding Shop. He sold livestock and welded. In 1955, he left to pursue engineering work with the Soil Conservation Service in Pecos, TX. Next, he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation in Carson City, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Ainswoth, Neb.; Stockton, Kan. and Grand Island, Neb. Paul's career in government service ended when he retired as an engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (1964-1983).
As a father, he taught his children that the color of a person skin, sex or religious beliefs were not reasons to treat someone differently. He judged people by their actions. A thoughtful man, he was slow to comment and quick to smile.
He loved learning, taking classes throughout his life - the last being yoga at Richland Community College in Dallas. Upon retirement, he became a Democratic Precinct Chair and convention delegate.
Paul was a member of the following organizations: Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2x2 Class, HPUMC, Lake Highlands/ White Rock Lake Democrats, Richardson/ North Dallas Democrats, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, The 461st Liberaider, The Grand Lodge of Louisiana. He was a valuable officer in most of these groups.
Donations may be made to North Texas Food Bank or 2x2 Class Fund at HPUMC.