Thomas Lanard "Tom" Paxson, 80, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, in Austin, Texas, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on January 22, 1946, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and raised in Parkesburg, Tom lived a life defined by faith, service, integrity, and an unwavering love for his family. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and important. Whether through church, Rotary, aviation, engineering, or simply a chance conversation, Tom built friendships that often lasted a lifetime.

Tom earned a Bachelor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Delaware, where he was a member of the ROTC and a collegiate swimmer, before receiving a full scholarship to Lehigh University to pursue a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He remained in ROTC at Lehigh and proudly served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Vietnam era, with assignments in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, and Germany.

Following his military service, Tom worked at US Steel in Pennsylvania and Texas before acquiring a small heating and air-conditioning business in Lufkin with his brother Drew; a business that lasted over 40 years. He later added Pax-sun Engineering and became widely respected throughout Texas for his technical expertise, leadership, and integrity. He was a Fellow of the National Society of Professional Engineers, served as President of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, has been heavily involved with MATHCOUNTS, and held numerous leadership positions within engineering organizations throughout his career.

Although engineering was his profession, serving others was his calling. Tom devoted countless hours to serving his community. He was a member of Rotary since 1986, where he served as a club president, district RYLA chair as well as a Paul Harris Fellow and later became heavily involved in the Field of Honor. He believed deeply in the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," and quietly lived those words every day through his leadership, generosity, and willingness to help others.

Tom also had a lifelong passion for aviation. He was a licensed instrument-rated pilot, and he found joy not only in flying but in sharing that passion with others through organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program. He loved introducing people to aviation and mentoring the next generation of pilots. He also served as a volunteer for the Commemorative Airforce B-25 Devil Dog Squadron.

Tom had a deep faith in God and served in many capacities in church throughout his life. He grew up in the Presbyterian Church and was later active in the Methodist Church once he moved to Lufkin. At FUMC Lufkin he served as a lay leader, Sunday school teacher, a choir member, and a youth group volunteer. When they moved to Georgetown he continued this service as a choir member, and most recently created a men’s bible study group.

Tom's greatest pride, however, was never found in his career or accomplishments. It was found in his family. He was a devoted husband, an incredible father, and a proud papa. He believed wholeheartedly in his daughters and taught them not simply to find the right answers, but to discover how to solve problems for themselves. His confidence in them became one of the greatest gifts he ever gave.

Known for his quick wit and playful sense of humor, Tom loved teasing those he cared about most. He often joked that it was "a good thing my daughters look like their mom," and delighted in introducing people to his girls and expressing his pride in all that they have done. If Tom gave you a hard time, you knew you were one of his people.

After moving to Georgetown, Tom and Jan embraced another ambitious challenge by restoring one of the city's oldest homes. While many believed the historic property should be demolished after years of neglect, Tom saw something worth saving. Drawing on his engineering mind, creativity, and determination, he designed innovative solutions that made the restoration possible. Together, they lovingly preserved an important piece of Georgetown's history, and their home was featured on the 2021 Preservation Georgetown Holiday Home Tour.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Janis Sue Anderson-Paxson; his daughters, Kristen Lorraine Paxson and Patricia Ann Paxson Slezak (Daniel Richard Slezak); his cherished grandchildren, Adelaide Jane Paxson Slezak, John Thomas Paxson Slezak, and Elliette Kristen Paxson Slezak; his siblings, Barbara Ann Paxson, Mary Margaret Paxson, Charlotte Jean Paxson, and Harry Andrews Paxson II; loyal Beagle Tucker and grand dog Kora, along with many extended family members, dear friends, and the countless lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Chalfant Paxson and Annette Lorraine Lanard Paxson.

While Tom's family mourns the loss of a remarkable husband, father, papa, mentor, and friend, they find peace in knowing he fought the good fight, finished the race, and is now home with his Savior. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he faithfully loved, and the countless people who are better because they knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Georgetown or Lufkin, the Rotary Club of Georgetown or Lufkin, the Devil Dog Squadron, or the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

Memorial Information: August 8, 2026, 10:00 a.m. First United Methodist Church, 410 E. University Ave. Georgetown, TX 78626