Paul Comer
Edward Paul Comer, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Glen Rose on March 22, 2024.
In lieu of flowers and a service, the family requests contributions be made to the Chris Elam Comer Memori-al Scholarship. a scholarship created by Linda Kay and Paul Comer to honor their beloved son Chris, who preceded them both in death.
Born on Jan. 4, 1946, in Gatesville, Paul was the son of Edward and Beulah Morgan Comer.
He was raised on the family farm in Purmela. He attended Purmela school through eighth grade and went on to graduate from Evant High School in 1964. He was active in a multitude of sports and school activities.
Following high school, Paul attended Brantley- Draughon Business College and Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Texas Wesleyan and embarked on a long career in banking.
Paul began his career working as a bank examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas. In 1972, he moved to Evant and joined the First National Bank of Evant serving as Vice-President and director. He was ultimately elevated to President and CEO, making him one of the youngest bank presidents in the area.
During his 30-plus years of banking, he also served as a Chairman of District 4 of the Texas Bankers Association.
He was a true community leader who was known for his dedication to his clients and support of the local community. His legacy of community banking lived on through his son Charles, who credits his father for being the inspiration to his own banking career.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul was deeply committed to his family and community. Marrying Linda Kay Elam in 1965, he became a father to his sons Charles Edward Comer in 1970 and Chris Elam Comer in 1974. He was a proud father who was involved in his sons’ school activities and was the announcer at the EHS football games.
Life for Paul was filled with a variety of hobbies that kept him moving and outdoors. He and his sons received their PADI open water certification in 1984 with Paul ultimately obtaining an advanced open water certification. Scuba div ing and water skiing were enjoyed as a family.
Paul earned his private pilot license as well as instrument ratings in his beloved Cessna, N736EC. He enjoyed the comradery of Hamilton Airport and served on the board of the Hamilton Pilots Association. Paul often flew his family to ski trips and shared his love for aviation with his sons.
In addition to flying, Paul took pleasure in farming, ranching, fishing and hunting.
Hunting for many years with the Evant Hunting Club, Paul created many fond, comical memories from their annual mule deer hunts in West Texas and gathered quite the collection of deer mounts.
Paul played the game of golf through most of his adult life and into retirement and could proudly say he made a Hole in One!
After marrying Wanda Comer, they settled down in Glen Rose. Up on the hill of their home, you would often find a multitude of dogs, cats and even some critters that were all taken care of and became extensions of their family. If they were not fish ing or sitting on their porch, you could find him at Squaw Valley Golf course.
He took on the proud name and role of “Bunch” when his first grandchild, Charles Edward Comer Jr. “Charlie,” was born in 1998 to Charles and Krissy Comer. Trips to Glen Rose to visit Bunch were a fun and cherished time for all his grandchildren, Charlie, Caroline and Cort, who all remember their Bunch in his recliner chair sipping sweet iced tea out of a 64-ounce cup and guiding them on the trails behind his house in Glen Rose. His love for adventure and the outdoors are lived on through his grandchildren.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Wanda; stepson Brandon Bishop and wife Traci; son Charles Comer and wife Krissy; grandchildren Charlie, Caroline and Cortland Comer, Trevor Kenton and Hunter Aldridge; sisters Joyce Bundrant and Patsy Garza; and former spouse Linda Kay Comer.
He is reunited with his parents, sister Jo Ann and dear son Chris.
Paul will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. He will be remembered for his influen tial career in banking, quiet wisdom, his sharp, subtle jokes, his love for the great outdoors, the sky and the water and his lasting impact as a friend, husband, brother, father and grandfather.
