Paul Christopher Van Slyke

Paul Van Slyke began his life in Dallas, TX on March 13th, 1942. He was the oldest son of Anson Van Slyke and Winnell Hill Van Slyke and older brother to Don Van Slyke. Paul earned the Eagle Scout award, scouting's highest honor, before graduating from W. H. Adamson High School in 1960 as a member of the National Honor Society and as the two-time district-level debate champion.

Paul then moved to Austin, TX to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas, where he supported his education by working part-time at the Scottish Rite Dormitory. In his junior year, Paul reconnected with his high school classmate Lora Lynn Davis, whom he married two months after graduating in 1964. With his B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Paul became the first person in the family to graduate with a college degree.

The couple moved back to Dallas, where Paul worked full time at Mobil Oil and attended the SMU Dedman School of Law during evenings. Over this time, the family grew with the arrival of their first son, Christopher Paul Van Slyke. After graduating with his J.D. in 1968, Paul and Lora Lynn settled in Houston, TX., where they were blessed with the birth of their second son, Scott Allen Van Slyke.

Although he never spoke fondly about his Engineering studies, Paul thrived in his Law career. He rose to Partner on an accelerated track at Arnold White & Durkee, then moved to Pravel Gambrell as a partner, before moving to Locke Lord to build its intellectual property practice. Loving his work too much to ever retire, he eventually transitioned into a senior counsel role at Hoover Slovacek.

In 1990, Paul married Karen Lea Block, and together they welcomed their son David Block Van Slyke. In these later years, Paul developed a rich set of hobbies that included camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, photography, and racquetball. He would share these hobbies with his family, creating lasting traditions as the Saturday pancake maker, Pack 704 Cub Scout leader, and co-owner of a fishing boat that never once caught a fish on account of Paul's booming laughter.

Paul went to Heaven in peace early in the morning on December 3rd, 2023. He looked forward to rejoining his mother Winnell, father Anson, brother Don, and other loved ones who passed before him. Paul is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Karen; sons Christopher, Scott, and David; daughters-in-law Klair, Laura, and Claire; grandchildren Madeleine, Bess, Katherine, Angelina, Christopher Jr., Victoria, and Elizabeth; niece Katie; and sister-in-law Mary Sue.

Paul was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a loyal member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church. His funeral service with immediate family was held at Chapelwood UMC on Saturday, December 9th. His ashes are interred in the Memorial Wall of the Chapelwood Columbarium.

The family wishes to express immense appreciation for the love and support of friends, family, doctors, nurses, and caretakers who joined his devoted wife Karen in providing for Paul in the final years of his life.