Lt. Col. Paul T. Foxworthy, USAF Ret.

Paul Thomas Foxworthy, 77, of Olathe, KS passed at home while surrounded by family and went to be with Jesus in his eternal heavenly home on January 2, 2026.

Paul was born in Lafayette, IN on September 16, 1948, and was adopted by loving parents Oliver and Virginia Foxworthy. He graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School, then went on to study at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. Paul thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Purdue Marching Band and the Purdue Tennis team, and in his third year he enrolled in Air Force ROTC.

In the fall of 1967, Paul met Mary Patterson when his best friend set them up on a date to attend the Purdue-Indiana rivalry football game, and they married on August 23, 1969. Paul graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering in 1971 and was commissioned in the US Air Force. While on active duty, he completed his Master’s in Civil Engineering at Purdue in 1972.

Selflessly serving his country with honor, he spent 20 years in the Air Force. His first assignment in Las Vegas was followed by tours in Thailand and the Philippines. He was also stationed at several other US bases during that time with a variety of pavement engineering assignments. A new assignment as "Dad" began in 1979 when Brian was born, followed by Derin and Alicia. Paul completed his PhD in pavement evaluation at the University of Illinois in 1985, earning his beloved nickname "Dr. Pave." He retired in 1991 as a Lieutenant Colonel after his final assignment serving as the Dean of the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Paul's civilian journey began as an assistant professor of civil engineering at Louisiana State University. The family moved to Kansas City in 1995 and Paul worked for civil engineering consulting firms. They attended Grace Fellowship where he volunteered as church treasurer for many years. God called Paul and Mary to Orlando, FL in 2007, where he continued his service to the Lord as a volunteer for Wycliffe Associates (WA). He initially directed construction projects for WA at various locations around the world, then later aided WA's development of new Bible translations for hundreds of languages without a written Bible.

When children and grandchildren lured them back to Kansas in 2018, Paul faithfully continued his volunteer work for WA. They also returned to Grace Fellowship and many dear friends. An avid lifelong golf and tennis player, he also loved watching sports, Scuba diving, traveling around the world, RV camping, motorcycle trips, and southern gospel music. Paul's health began to deteriorate in 2021 after heart surgery. Even with other health issues and eventually three types of cancer, he fought with strength and endurance. He knew his earthly body was failing and was ready to be home with Jesus. Paul entered hospice care on November 25, 2025 and the Lord brought him home on January 2, 2026. His work on Earth is done.He was preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Virginia Foxworthy, and brother Richard. Paul is survived with loving memories by Mary, his devoted wife for 56 years; children Brian Foxworthy (Andrea), Derin Foxworthy, and Alicia Boswell (Jeff); five grandchildren Lauren (15), Joel (12), and Allison (10) Foxworthy, and Julianna (11) and Micah (9) Boswell; and siblings Weldon, Judi, Bruce, and Brian.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free donate to one of the following funds:

Wycliffe Associates

A bible in every language

Emergency 911 fund

or you may donate to:

Grace Fellowship Church   Please click the "Give" button on the top right-hand side of the page.

You may also send a physical check to the church address. Specify 'Building Fund' in memo for either method of giving.

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