1931
Paul
2010
Paul "Gil" Desha
March 19, 1931 — March 19, 2010
Paul Gilbert "Gil" Desha, 79, went to his heavenly Father on Friday, March 19, 2010.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, 777 N. Walnut Creek, Mansfield. Visitation: Will follow in the reception area.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to send donations to First United Methodist Church Mansfield Foundation, 777 N. Walnut Creek, Mansfield.
Gil was born to George Kirby and Carrie Desha in Bexar County on Feb. 21, 1931. He earned degrees from Texas Western College, the University of North Texas and Texas Tech. After earning his master of science degree from Texas Tech, he began his college teaching career. He taught three years at Arlington State College and then accepted a position at TCJC South Campus. He taught 30 years at South Campus and served as chairman of the biology department for many years. He loved teaching and was extremely proud of the nurses who passed through his classes. He was the 1990-91 nominee from the South Campus for the Minnie Piper Award, and was chosen outstanding professor from that campus.
Volunteering was one of Gil's ways of serving his community. He was a runner at Medical Center of Arlington for many years. When Mansfield Methodist Medical Center was ready for volunteers, he was the first one to be approved. For years he worked at Wesley Mission Center organizing the hanging clothes. He was an active participant in sports. He played football in high school and college and ran track. He loved golf and could be found on the golf course most weekends. He was recently inducted into the Panola College Athletic Hall of Fame.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George; sister, Rosemary; and son, Paul.
Survivors: Wife of 50 years, Jean; daughter, Deborah and Mark Thompson; grandson, Joseph Patrick Collins; brothers, David and Melba Desha and Dan and Bettie Desha; nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends
Memorial service: 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, 777 N. Walnut Creek, Mansfield. Visitation: Will follow in the reception area.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to send donations to First United Methodist Church Mansfield Foundation, 777 N. Walnut Creek, Mansfield.
Gil was born to George Kirby and Carrie Desha in Bexar County on Feb. 21, 1931. He earned degrees from Texas Western College, the University of North Texas and Texas Tech. After earning his master of science degree from Texas Tech, he began his college teaching career. He taught three years at Arlington State College and then accepted a position at TCJC South Campus. He taught 30 years at South Campus and served as chairman of the biology department for many years. He loved teaching and was extremely proud of the nurses who passed through his classes. He was the 1990-91 nominee from the South Campus for the Minnie Piper Award, and was chosen outstanding professor from that campus.
Volunteering was one of Gil's ways of serving his community. He was a runner at Medical Center of Arlington for many years. When Mansfield Methodist Medical Center was ready for volunteers, he was the first one to be approved. For years he worked at Wesley Mission Center organizing the hanging clothes. He was an active participant in sports. He played football in high school and college and ran track. He loved golf and could be found on the golf course most weekends. He was recently inducted into the Panola College Athletic Hall of Fame.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George; sister, Rosemary; and son, Paul.
Survivors: Wife of 50 years, Jean; daughter, Deborah and Mark Thompson; grandson, Joseph Patrick Collins; brothers, David and Melba Desha and Dan and Bettie Desha; nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends
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