Paul Ray Corder

Paul Ray Corder, age 80, of Baytown, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.  

Paul came into this world on Sunday, August 4, 1940, in Sulphur Springs, TX. He graduated from Livingston High School in 1959 and then proudly attended Texas A&M University, where he obtained his BS, MS, and PhD in mechanical engineering. Paul met and fell in love with Patricia Lee in 1962, and they tied the knot in July of 1964 at the La Pryor, TX, Church of Christ. Patricia and Paul raised three daughters--Lisette, Kristen, and Alex--and were married for 56 years.

After Paul completed his schooling, he spent 19 years in the defense and the offshore drilling and production platform industries before deciding to change course and use his God-given talents and expertise in education.  He then devoted the next 30 years to teaching and mentoring undergrad and graduate students in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. He was truly dedicated to his role as an educator and often would bring home many hours' worth of grading, meticulously writing detailed notes and comments. His focus was not to just pass or fail but to prepare his students for any situation that they may encounter after graduation day.  He retired from Lamar in 2017 and enjoyed his last years on earth spending time with his wife and daughter, Lisette.

Throughout the years, Paul enjoyed the hobby of photography, leaving his family with many beautiful moments captured in time that will be cherished for many generations.  He was also passionate about aircrafts and loved watching air shows and visiting aviation museums.  Paul also volunteered at his local Civil Air Patrol and held the title of Lt. Colonel.  

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sallie and C.P. Corder, his sister, Jaunice, and brother, Dan; and his precious daughter, Kristen Fagala. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Lee Corder; his sister Maxine and brother James, his beloved daughters, Lisette Corder and Alex Scott; and nine grandchildren--Amberlyn, Joshua, Ashton, Luke, Chase, Kathryn, Annalise, Isabelle, Riley and his four-legged companion Suzy. 

He will be laid to rest in a private memorial at Cedarcrest Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Paul’s honor to Next Step Transitions Center for Adults with Special Needs in Deer Park TX.

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