Paul Allen Warden

Paul died at home in Roanoke, Texas on April 26, 2022, of cancer. He was born on September 27, 1953 in Long Beach, California, the son of Harry Jack and Ruth Christine Warden.

Paul graduated from Chimacum High School in Chimacum, Washington in 1971, attended Olympic Community College, and then graduated from the University of Washington in 1975.

After college he moved to Vancouver, WA, where he met and married Kerry Maddox in 1978.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Rick and sister Patricia, his parents in law Norm and Lois Maddox, and his daughter in law Courtney Warden.

Paul is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kerry, his son Andrew of Trophy Club TX (and Tracy), three granddaughters Madison, Hadley, and Lexi, three brothers in law, Jeff, Jody (and Debbie), Jerry (and Judy) Maddox. Paul is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and two special g’nieces and a g’nephew. He is also survived by many cherished friends and neighbors.

Paul loved spending time relaxing with his family and friends. In his life, this was a priority. Paul made and kept friends easily, from high school to retirement. He has maintained those friendships for his entire life. He was an amazing cook and mastered the art of smoking brisket to perfection. He loved beer and for many years kept a fridge keg of Widmer Hefeweizen at home. He modeled for us the importance of working to live, not the other way around. Paul had two main careers, one as a parts catalog developer for Freightliner Trucks in Portland, Oregon. After moving to the town of Prosser, Washington he was elected to the city council, and later was elected Mayor, serving eight years before retiring in 2016. He also served as the City Administrator while he was mayor and enjoyed this job, and his colleagues there so much. As a kind and gentle man who disliked controversy and confrontation, this was a big step out of his comfort zone, but these qualities made him especially valued, even by the few unhappy constituents who would call him at home to vent about an issue. Paul would always take their call, listen carefully to their viewpoint, and acknowledge it. Even if he couldn’t change a thing, the caller was heard, and hung up feeling better, which to Paul was as important as anything he accomplished as Mayor.

Paul was an intelligent and curious man. He read voraciously all types of novels and current event publications. He retained vast amounts of knowledge and trivia. He cared about our country and planet, just as he cared about people, and justice and equality for all. He also had a brilliant wit, and a lightning-fast dry sense of humor. He brought humor and laughs everywhere he went. He listened more than he talked. He loved sports, both playing and watching. He was a great athlete, from high school and college through retirement. He loved the many years of co-ed softball when working for Freightliner, and the wonderful group of lifelong friends made there. Another highlight in his life was his many years of golf with the Prosser Men’s League, and especially the rousing games of Liar’s Dice that followed. He missed those great guys so much when he moved to Texas.

Paul was a youth sports coach for many years while Andy grew up and loved it. He loved watching his beloved Seattle Mariners, and Seahawks. He loved that his 3 granddaughters are athletes, and never missed a match or game. He also loved that they sing and play music and loved attending their performances. Music was a big part of Paul’s life. Paul volunteered with the Prosser Boy’s and Girl’s Club, and as a reading tutor at the Prosser School District. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, gruncle, and friend.

Paul was humble, grateful, and he was loved.

An online memorial service is being planned. Later this summer, we’ll have celebrations of life held in Prosser, WA, and Hadlock, WA. Both will be held in favorite pubs with great music playing. Finally, as requested by Paul, his ashes will be scattered near a favorite bridge, with help from his lifelong friend Ray Ammeter.