Paul McNamara Obituary

McNamara, Paul E. Born November 29, 1918, Oakland, CA. Died peacefully after a long illness on April 19, 2006 in Mineola, TX. Paul was predeceased by a brother, Stuart, and sister-in-law, Mary. He was also predeceased by his first wife Bettye. He is survived by his second wife Sally, from Holly Lake Ranch, TX, and an adopted son Michael, from Florence, OR, and his children. In addition, he is survived by a loving extended family, Greg and Suzanne Brannan and children from CT, and Robert and Anna Brannan from CA. He is also survived by his little poodle, Pearl. As a young boy, Paul traveled extensively with his family. His father was a civil engineer with the Interstate Commerce Commission. Paul was and Eagle scout. He graduated from Senn H.S. in Chicago and from Northwestern U. where he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He was and excellent fencer and was NCAA foils champion. After graduation in June 1941, Paul joined the Navy and entered flight training in Corpus Christi, TX. He became a flight instructor and was sent to Detroit, MI where he trained both American and British pilots. He transferred to the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS) and was ordered to Honolulu to train in multi-engine airplanes and flew extensively throughout the pacific and far east. He later commanded a detachment servicing the Philippines. He was transferred to Atlanta where he met and married Bettye Hosteter in 1947. He began flying for the Air Force when NATS was absorbed by the Military Air Transport Service (MATS). Paul had various flying assignments in Europe and the Far East. He laid down new MATS flying routes in Europe. Paul retired from the Navy as a Commander with 24 years of service and moved to Irving Texas where he secured a position with American Airlines as an instructor in Boeing 727s and in all types of aircraft, retiring again in 1982, and moving to Holly Lake Ranch, TX. Paul obtained a teacher's certificate and was a member of the School Board of the Harmony Independent School District. He also had a real estate license and worked with Earl Paige Realty in Dallas, TX. Bettye died in 1999 after a long illness. He married Sally in 2002. He enjoyed golf and square dancing. He belonged to Hook and Ladder, Toastmasters, and was also a member of the American Legion and the Military Officers Association of America. He attended the Holly Tree Chapel at Holly Lake Ranch. A military service will be held graveside at Holly Tree Chapel, 11 a.m., Monday, April 24, 2006, followed by a gathering of friends and relatives at his home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holly Tree Chapel, 1620 S. FM 2869, Holly Lake Ranch, TX, 75765.