Final Salute

I was born on our family farm south of Runge, Texas about 7:30pm, September 23, 1926. My name was issued as Paul William Janssen. I was raised on our farm and helped with all the crops. I started school in the country and the school was named Live Oak School. Finally we all went to school in Runge School. After getting out of school I was drafted into the military. I was in the Navy Seabees from December 8, 1944 to June 28, 1946. And, 8 years in the reserves. When I returned from being in the service, I did a little farming on my own. Then I got married to a young girl by the name, Barbara Jean Evans. We got married on June 1, 1951 and had three children two boys, David Paul Janssen and Richard Jean Janssen and one daughter Leesa Maria Janssen. At about August 1956, we moved to McCamey with a wireline company. We lived in McCamey for about 9 ½ years, then we were transferred to Odessa, TX. I worked with the wireline (Dresser Atlas) for 30 years. After Dresser Atlas I found another job driving an 18 wheeler and worked for another 13+ years before I retired from work. I like to fly and attend the Janssen family reunions. (As written by Paul Janssen.)

After retirement Paul was a loyal and dedicated member of the Discover Odessa Volunteer family beginning in 2004. He generously gave his time and shared his kindness with countless visitors at Midland International Air & Space Port, faithfully working the information booth each week until 2020. Paul was always willing to lend a helping hand and proudly represented Odessa with a welcoming smile and genuine care for others. His commitment, dependability, and warm spirit made a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Paul will be deeply missed, and we are incredibly grateful for the many years of service, friendship, and dedication he gave to Discover Odessa and our community. His legacy will continue to live on through the lives he touched. (Thank you Odessa Chamber of Commerce.)

Our husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather lived a long and happy life. He passed on August 26, 2026, 29 days shy of his 100th birthday. Dad loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. He loved being around people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. We are very proud to say that Dad was a World War II veteran. Dad was drafted in the middle of his senior year in high school. His mother was awarded his diploma while he was deployed. He served in Okinawa April 1945 to June 1946. He had the opportunity to take two Honor Flights to Washington D.C. The first was September 2008. Dad had the honor of laying the wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier during his second trip in May 2016. These trips were a huge highlight for Dad.

Dad is predeceased by his parents Henry II and Erna Janssen, his wife’s parents Ervil and Clara Evans, daughter Leesa Driver and son-in-law Jarrell Driver. He is also predeceased by siblings Wilton (Peggy), Vernon, Joyce Barber (John), Lamar, Wayne and Henry III.

Dad is survived by his wife of 75 years, Barbara, his sons David (Mary), Richard (Helen). He is also survived by his grandchildren Jonathan (ZuAna) Janssen, Anna (Philip) Ormsby, Kyle (Allie) Driver and Tammy (Dini) Smith. His great grandchildren Jocelyn and Zayden Janssen, Dirk and Peyton Ormsby and Cameron Ruiz. Dad is also survived by his brother Norris (Rita) Janssen and sister-in-laws Joyce Ann Janssen, Anna Janssen, Gloria Janssen, brother-in-law Paul Bruce and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jonathan Janssen, Philip Ormsby, Kyle Driver, Dirk Ormsby and Zayden Janssen. Graveside service officiated by Pastor Wally Schiwart.

Donations can be made in Paul’s honor to Meals on Wheels Odessa, mowo.org.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 2, 6:00-8:00pm.

Graveside Service Thursday, September 3, 10:00am.

Services are provided by Sunset Memorial Gardens 6801 E Hwy 80, Odessa, TX.