Paul Stephen O'Banion

Paul Stephen O’Banion, age 58, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday October 8, 2017. Paul was born in Baytown, Texas on November 25, 1958  to Doris Jane Stewart O’Banion and Bert Lee O’Banion. He was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and studied art at Lee College. Paul was a hair-stylist by trade, but his artistic abilities were multi-faceted. He was a talented artist in many media including photography, drawing, painting, glass and jewelry design. He was a member of the Baytown Photo Club and spent many hours at Harmony Glass Studio. His love for cooking led him to be an accomplished chef. He shared his creations with his family and friends on a regular basis and used his skills as a chef on off-shore rigs. Paul enjoyed horticulture- whether growing his own plants, visiting nurseries, or photographing flowers.

Paul was a very articulate conversationalist with a sharp wit and unique sense of humor- often evoking laughter with both his words and expressions from those around him. He was good natured, with a smile on his face and was affectionately know as “The Mayor of Highlands, America”.  One of his favorite quotes was “knowing you makes me a better person”, and he lived his life in such a way that this would be true for his friends. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family, co-workers and friends- especially his best friend, ‘his Mom’. He enjoyed his times at Prime Timers at St Mark’s UMC. Paul’s sweet spirit and gentle soul allowed him to enjoy life to the fullest and to share that with others.

The passing of Paul will leave a void in his community and the hearts of all who knew him. However, he would want us to press on, love one another, and have a good time.

He is  preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles H. and Mildred Stewart; Travis and Connie Cooper; his father, Bert Lee O’Banion and his cousin, Scott Earl Courtney. Paul is survived by his mother, Doris Jane Sanders; his brother and sis-in-law, David and Becky O’Banion; his sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Rick Harrison ; his nephews, Weldon Stutes and wife Sarah ; and Joshua Lee O’Banion; great nephew and niece, Jaden and Esther Stutes; his aunts and uncles, Mike and Jackie Stewart, Harry and Nancy Stewart, Barbara Ann Stewart, Wayne and Sue Cooper and Barbara Ann Cooper. He is also survived by numerous cousins, special friends and ‘Uncle PD’s special four-legged friends, Monet’, Ned, and Coco.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Sterling-White Funeral Home, 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd. Highlands, on Friday evening October 13, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Services will be held in Sterling-White Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon October 14, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. with Tim Edwards officiating. Pallbearers will be Weldon Stutes, Joshua O’Banion, Larry Allen, Mike Stewart, Darrell Stewart,  Rusty Mayfield, Joe Farmer, and Mike Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will include his uncles, Mike Stewart, Harry Stewart, and Wayne Cooper; Wayne (Pawpaw) Luedicke; lifelong friend, Mike Smith;  walking buddies,  Mike Stangle and Doyle Hunter; and good friends Tommy Parker and Pogee Speer.

Interment will be in Sterling-White Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Sterling-White Funeral Home 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd. Highlands, Texas 77562. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.sterlingwhite.com.

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