Obituary published on Legacy.com by Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations - La Grange on Feb. 6, 2024.
Paul David Fahrenthold peacefully passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on October 26, 1937, in Houston, Texas, Paul's life was characterized by his optimism, intelligence, and generosity, which touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Paul's early life in Houston set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. He pursued his passion for science at Rice University, where he studied chemical engineering, then University of Houston, where he earned his PhD in inorganic chemistry in 1966.
While studying at Rice, Paul met Dennis Ann Wheeler (Denny) on a blind date. They were married on June 30, 1960 in Austin, and were together for 62 wonderful years.
Professionally, Paul's expertise and dedication led him to work with several prominent companies, including Union Carbide International, Eastman Kodak, and the Environmental Protection Agency in
Washington, D.C. In 1984, Paul founded Fahrenthold & Associates. There, he specialized in groundwater contamination remediation, taking on projects in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and anywhere else that needed his expertise. As a family business, Paul gained great pleasure in hiring and working with many family members, and was a very generous boss.
Even after officially retiring, Paul's entrepreneurial spirit never waned. Alongside his son Mike, he pursued a new venture, creating Central Texas Spirits, a testament to his love for both entrepreneurship and family collaboration. (And tequila!)
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul was a man of many interests and talents. He was an outstanding skier, frequently found carving down the slopes of Angel Fire. He enjoyed brainstorming new business ideas and was an excellent cook and baker. His culinary skills were best showcased when making biscuits with his grandson, and he always made sure there was chocolate ice cream for dessert.
Paul's life was enriched by his beloved family. He was predeceased by his wife, Dennis W. Fahrenthold, and is survived by his loving children, Ben and Debbie Fahrenthold, Michael and Miriam Fahrenthold, and Margaret and Matt Fish. He was a proud grandfather to Nikki, Alex, Dominic, Vincent, Miles, and Wyatt.
The Fahrenthold family will forever remember Paul as a pillar of kindness and support. We celebrate a life well-lived, a journey marked by the pursuit of knowledge, the joy of family, and the satisfaction of a career that not only provided for his loved ones but also contributed to the well-being of the planet.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the Weimar Masonic Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will for Paul will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul, please visit our floral store.