Melvin Theodore Paulson Jr.

Melvin Theodore Paulson, Jr., age 91, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, in Arlington, Texas.

Born on April 10, 1935, on the family farm near Albion, Nebraska, Melvin was the son of Melvin Theodore Paulson, Sr. and Mary Paulson. He was raised in Primrose, Nebraska, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse before graduating from Albion High School with the Class of 1953.

In 1955, Melvin proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. After graduating from Electrician School in San Diego, California, he served aboard the USS Philippine Sea. His military service took him across the Pacific, including assignments in Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan. He carried the pride, discipline, and sense of duty he gained during his years of service throughout the rest of his life.

Following his honorable discharge, Melvin moved to Texas to join his older brother, Paul, and began what would become a distinguished career in the aerospace industry. He first worked for General Dynamics in Fort Worth. Through hard work, determination, and careful saving, he proudly purchased his first new car, a 1956 Chevrolet, a milestone he fondly remembered throughout his life. In 1958 he met his first wife Joyce, the mother of his daughters

In 1961, Melvin joined LTV in Grand Prairie, where he dedicated the next 32 years of his career. He retired at the age of 58 after earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his unwavering work ethic, dependability, and integrity. During his career, he contributed to projects including work on the B-2 Bomber, a source of great pride that he often shared with his family.

Melvin was raised in the Lutheran faith and was baptized on July 7, 1935, in Albion, Nebraska. His faith instilled in him the values of honesty, humility, perseverance, and compassion, qualities that defined the way he lived his life.

Above all else, Melvin was devoted to his family. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend whose quiet strength, dependable nature, and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was the kind of man who never hesitated to lend a helping hand, offer practical advice, or simply be present when someone needed him most.

His grandchildren will forever treasure the memories they shared with their beloved "Papa."

His grandson, Malcolm, loved hearing stories about Papa playing penny poker as a young boy and somehow beating the adults. More importantly, Malcolm cherished the wisdom and life lessons his grandfather generously shared throughout the years.

His grandson, Devin, fondly remembers Melvin's love of black licorice, his passion for cooking, and the stories he told about working on the B-2 Bomber. Whenever someone asked how he was feeling, Melvin would smile, rub his fingers together, and jokingly reply that he "feels" with his fingers. That response became one of his signature sayings.

His grandson, Nicholas, remembers Papa as a man of his word who always had thoughtful advice, a listening ear, and usually a cold beer nearby. One of his favorite memories was attending the Pickle Parade together. After a fun filled day, he ended up carrying his grandfather to the car. It became one of those unforgettable family stories that still brings smiles today.

His second cousin, Edward Paulson, recalled one of the many times Melvin demonstrated his selflessness. After Edward's motorcycle broke down near Tyler, Texas, he called Melvin for help. Without hesitation, Melvin drove to his aid with a car large enough to haul home a 1969 BSA chopper in the trunk. Though the ride back to North Richland Hills smelled strongly of gasoline and oil, Edward never forgot that Melvin came without question and refused to leave him stranded. To him, Melvin was the kind of man you could always count on, a true friend.

Those stories reflect the man Melvin truly was. Whether family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers needed help, he gave freely of his time, kindness, and unwavering support. His steady presence, generous spirit, and genuine love for others will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Elaine Cowgill Paulson; his parents, Melvin Theodore Paulson, Sr. and Mary Paulson; and his brothers, Paul and William Paulson.

He is lovingly survived by his daughters, Cynthia Delwaide and husband, Joe, and LaDonna Powell and husband, Dave; his stepdaughter, Sabrina Heft and husband, Richard and their children; his grandchildren, Matthew Buesing and wife, Melissa, Nicholas Buesing and wife, Alyson, Malcolm Daily and wife, Michele, Devin Bitz, and Jeremy, Jason, and Kristi Heft; ten cherished great grandchildren; his nephews, Charlie Paulson and wife, Susan, Roger Paulson and wife, Joyce, Phillip Paulson and wife, Tammy, and Janet Paulson and their families; his second cousins, Edward Paulson and wife, Penny, and Walter Paulson and wife, Colleen; his sisters in law, Barbara Cowgill and Susan Edenfeld; his brother in law, Fred Cowgill and wife, Cindy, and their family; his lifelong friend, Don Box; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Meadowbrook Memory Care for the loving support they provided during Melvin's final years. They also wish to sincerely thank Aleve Care Hospice, especially Angela Dillon, Trey McAnally, Rhonda Schrock, and the entire hospice staff, for the exceptional care, comfort, and kindness shown to their sweet dad and grandfather.

Melvin's life was one of quiet strength, faithful service, unwavering dedication to his family, and steadfast love for his country. His legacy of perseverance, integrity, generosity, and compassion will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow at Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050.