Paul Ernest Laake, 95, of Austin, died Wednesday, May 16, 2012, in Austin, Texas.
Paul was born March 30, 1917, to Ernst Laake and Anna Forke Laake in Paige, Texas. He grew up working on the family farm and attended school in Giddings, Texas with his brothers and sisters. He held various jobs until joining the Army in March, 1942. After the war, Paul met Betty Lou Cousins and they were married August 31, 1946. The couple had three daughters.
During the war, Paul was stationed in Germany, Morocco, and Italy where he was an airplane mechanic. Paul described himself as a “tool pusher” and worked in the oil field for many years. Most of his career was spent in Beaumont, Texas as branch manager for Baker Oil Tools. He retired after over 30 years of service. Paul briefly came out of retirement to work as an oil field consultant for Golden Engineering in Houston, Texas. As an Engineer’s Consultant for Golden Engineering, he enjoyed working in his field of expertise for a firm that valued his work ethic, skill, and experience.
Paul was affectionately known as ‘PawPaw’ by his four grandchildren, Michael, Christie, Lauren, and Aaron. In 2001, Paul took on a new role as caregiver to his wife Betty after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He lovingly cared for her like a mother hen. When it became apparent that Paul would need help with Betty’s illness, they moved to Kingwood to be near their youngest daughter. Susy and her husband, Tommy took on the role of caregivers for Betty and Paul, as well as Tommy’s mother.
After Betty’s death in January, 2010, Paul decided to “move home” to Austin and be near Carol. He resided at the Summit at Westlake Hills, just down the street from her, where she lovingly attended to his needs.
Paul is survived by his children, Carol Phillips of Austin and Susy Smith and her husband, Tommy of Tyler; grandchildren, Lauren Phillips of Austin, Aaron Phillips of Austin, Michael Smith and his wife, Emily of Durham, North Carolina, and Christie Smith Parsons and her husband, Joey of Amarillo; and great-grandchildren, Bella and Jonathan Smith of Durham, North Carolina.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Laake; daughter, Kathy Lynn Laake; brothers, Eron Laake and Leon Laake; and sisters, Louise Laake, Emma Hergotz, Olga "Ollie" Brady, and Katie Constant.
Paul’s graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2012, at Magnolia Cemetery, 2200 Pine Street, Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Please join the family for lunch after the service at Broussard’s Centre’, 1775 Calder, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter, 3429 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78731 or to your favorite charity.
