Paul Faist

In loving memory of Paul Jack Faist (82),

Paul J. Faist passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024, surrounded by his family, his pride and joy. Born on January 20, 1942, in Reading, England, Paul Faist entered a world where his first word was "War". As a child during World War II, he and his mother often hid under the stairs during attacks or sought refuge in bomb shelters. Shortly after his birth, his father was declared killed in action during the Dieppe Raid while serving in the Canadian Army. Paul's mother, Evelyn Dorothy Hill, would later marry Clemons Faist, an American soldier who lovingly adopted Paul and fostered his strong sense of family.

After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, one of Paul's earliest memories was seeing the glow of the Statue of Liberty's torch upon arriving at Ellis Island. Paul, his mother, and his baby sister, Lynn, traveled by train across the United States where he then arrived at Welcome, Texas. He grew up on the family farm and went on to graduate from Bellville High School. From there, Paul served three years in the U.S. Army. During his tenure, he served as a Davy Crockett (Nuclear) Squad leader, earning respect for his leadership and commitment to our country. He ended his rank as an E5 Sergeant. After meeting a world of new people through the military, Paul was ready to move to Houston and explore the world of technology. He started taking computer classes, leading to a 20-year career at Control Data where he would meet many lifelong friends. Additionally, Paul started Welcome Air, A/C and Heating business which he owned and operated for 40 years.

When Paul met his first love, Dorothy "Dottie" Ann Mitschke, the Welcome boys he lived with immediately knew they were about to lose a roommate. The exact words of his childhood friend, Billy Schmidt, was "you're a goner." While married for 27 years, Paul and Dottie raised their two children, Julie and Jason. After supporting Dottie with her computer cable business, Datronics, he later joined her and helped expand it into installation services, running the company together for 15 years.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Paul was a devoted volunteer firefighter and EMT in Jersey Village, where his commitment to community service left a lasting impact. After 50 years in Houston and Jersey Village, Paul retired to La Grange. There, he embraced the peaceful rhythm of farm life, tending to the cows and harvesting hay with unmatched enthusiasm-turning simple tasks into cherished memories. His heart swelled with pride for his children and grandchildren. He eagerly anticipated their visits and treasured family moments, especially during hunting season where nights were filled with sitting by the campfire and star gazing.

Paul found love again with Jeannette Craig. After just one phone call with this special lady, he decided to ask her on a blind lunch date. They were married on August 8, 2008, at 8 o'clock, which Paul was very insistent about. Her new grandchildren would affectionally refer to her as "Greannie". They united two families and loved traveling when she could get him off his tractor and away from his cows. Paul and Jeannette recently celebrated their 16th anniversary.

After the end of World War II, to everyone's surprise, Paul's biological father, Jacques Batteau, was found to be alive as a prisoner of war. Upon his return, Jacques discovered that Evelyn and Paul had started a new life. In an act of great selflessness, Jacques returned to Montreal, Canada, and started a new family. Decades later, with the help of his daughter-in-law, Gina, Paul was able to reunite with his biological father. Paul also met his half-siblings for the first time, and their connection was immediate-as though they had known each other all their lives.

Paul's laughter was infectious; he had a gift for storytelling and never missed an opportunity for a joke. He created a legacy of joy and warmth for all who knew him. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to share in his life's journey.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannette Craig Faist; children Julie Foskey and Jason Faist, stepson Craig Goodspeed and wife Lynda, stepdaughter Becky Cardenas, step son Wes Hildebrand; six grandchildren, including Kami and Kati Foskey, Dana and Wade Faist, Aubrey and Declan Goodspeed; siblings Lynn Wittneben, Clemons Faist and wife Cathy, Manon Gilbert and husband Mac, Richard Buteau and wife Annie, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who celebrate his rich legacy.

Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Faist; biological father, Jacques Buteau; dad, Clemons Faist; mother, Evelyn Dorothy Faist; daughter-in-law, Gina Kress Faist; brother-in-law, Leonard Wittneben; and brother-in-law Joe T. Craig Jr.

As we honor Paul, let us pay tribute to his kind spirit, love, laughter, and dedication to family and community. He was an asset to humanity, lived his life by example, and will forever be celebrated and remembered in the hearts of all that knew him.

If you feel so inclined consider a memorial donation in honor of Paul Faist to Welcome Lutheran Church.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Welcome Lutheran Church  with burial at 2:00 p.m. at the Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery, 600 FM 1482, Warda, Tx.