Paul W. Brightmire

BRIGHTMIRE -- Paul W., 81, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 10, 2006, with his family by his side. He was a beloved and respected son, husband, father, "Papa," friend, and colleague. Paul was born June 12, 1924, in Washington, MO, to Alvena Matilda (Wehr) and Quincy Claude Brightmire. He attended Tulsa Public Schools and graduated from Central High School, in 1942. Following graduation from Central, he joined the Navy, and during World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater and later as an Officer in military intelligence. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, he attended and graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1951, with a B.A. and Juris Doctorate degree. While at T.U., he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He then entered private practice in Tulsa, and for more than 19 years, carried on a general civil practice with an emphasis on trial work and medical malpractice, receiving some of the largest jury verdicts in Tulsa County at that time. Paul was a leader in developing the state's court reform law in the late 1960's, receiving an award from the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association for his role. The court reform law led to the creation of the Oklahoma Court of Appeals in 1970, which initially had six judges, one elected from each congressional district. Paul ran for and won the seat for the First Congressional District and, in January 1971, was sworn in as one of the six original Court of Appeals' Judges. He retained his seat on the Court of Appeals until his retirement, in June 1994. During his tenure he served a term as Presiding Judge and later, Chief Judge. He was a talented and skillful writer, who was well known for his colorful and easy to read opinions. He was also a noted lecturer, authored many legal articles, edited two legal publications, and was an adjunct professor at the Osteopathic Medical School. While a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association, he served on the executive committee and originated the organization's official publication, "Tulsa Lawyer." He edited the publication for 2 years and received an award of merit from the Tulsa County bar in 1964. He was also a Fellow of the International Academy of Law and Science, a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, and a member and past President of the Tulsa and Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Associations. Paul was a devoted father and coached and attended countless baseball, softball, basketball, and football games as well as attending swim meets, cheerleading performances, piano and dance recitals, and school plays. He still found time to engage in his numerous hobbies, which included painting, making copper sculptures, woodworking, grilling out, reading, and traveling. Paul was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of the Akdar Shrine, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 577. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 49 years, Lorene Elizabeth (Edwards). He is survived by: his daughter, Debbie Brightmire of Stillwater, OK; his son, William Paul Brightmire of Tulsa; son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Kristen Brightmire, and their children, Jenna, Kalee, Lance and Luke of Tulsa; daughter and son-in-law, Chrisie and Jeff King and their children, Jake, Courtney and Josh of Falls Church, VA; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Lisa Brightmire and their children, April and Nick of Collinsville, OK. Visitation will be 5 - 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at Moore's Rosewood Funeral Home, 2570 S. Harvard, Tulsa. Service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 14, 2006, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 4200 S. Atlanta. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Alzheimer's Association. Moore's Rosewood, 744-1202.