Profile Image
Paul P. Steed, Jr. Veteran
October 04, 2017

Obituary

Paul Pearson Steed, Jr., died on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 in Weston and was born August 6, 1923 in Wichita Falls, Texas. His family eventually settled in Dallas, where Paul attended Woodrow Wilson High School, before beginning his undergraduate education at Texas A&M University. After some time there, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Paul became a radio man, stationed on bases at Matagorda Island, Texas; Madison, Wisconsin; and Bakersfield, California. He looked back fondly on his time in the service, eventually participating in the Honor Flight program for military veterans in Washington, D.C. After his service, he finished his education at Southern Methodist University through the GI Bill. After completing his education, Paul joined his family’s oil business, and then embarked upon a life of service, intellectual curiosity, family, travel, and adventure.
He met his wife Violet on a blind date. The two of them would raise their daughter Jane in Dallas together, eventually having five grandchildren. Paul was deeply committed to his family, particularly in the later years of his life – he spent his summers at Cape Cod and Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, celebrating his birthday every year with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. And while he was always proud to support the future of his family, he also had a keen interest in its past – Paul spent years researching his family’s origins, eventually compiling a thorough genealogy of the Steeds, moving back through generations.
A true history buff, he was an avid collector of historical artifacts from many eras. His visitors would always look in awe at his many rare coins, stamps, and signatures of various notable political figures, including many of America’s founding fathers. He spent much of his life engaging in archaeological projects and documenting Paleolithic rock art across the Southwest.
And yet, for all his exotic and unique possessions, perhaps the most impressive item in his collection was his passport: Paul traveled to well over 50 countries in his lifetime, and all 50 states. He took the trans-Siberian railroad across Russia, visited Cuba before restrictions were imposed, and even made it as far South as one can travel, to Antarctica. Of the many places he visited, his favorite was India.
Paul had an unparalleled zest for life and new experiences. When asked what he thought of the afterlife, he responded, “I think of death as the final great adventure.” He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Paul is survived by his wife of 68 years, Violet, his daughter Jane and son-in-law Jim, his grandchildren Ashley and Frederic, Jessica and Christopher, Clayton, Kelsey, and Colton.
Funeral services will be held at the Pilgrim Church, 25 South Main Street, Sherborn, on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM.
Visiting hours and interment services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Content is coming soon...
John Everett & Sons Funeral Home
4 Park Street
Natick, MA 01760
508-653-4342