Abilene, Tx - Thomas Paulsen, 74, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2016. Arrangements are pending with North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street.

Thomas ‘Tom’ James Paulsen Sr.

ABILENE, Texas — Thomas “Tom” James Paulsen Sr. died in his home on or about July 16, 2016, in Abilene, Texas, at the age of 74.

Tom Sr. was born Nov. 3, 1941, in Mason City, Iowa, to Thomas Christian Paulsen and Violet Mae (Johnson) Paulsen.

A memorial service will be Tuesday, Aug. 2, in North’s Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange St, Abilene, Texas.

Those attending are his four Sons, Thomas Jr., Timothy, Terance, and Travis, as well as his Niece Crystal and Granddaughters Kayla, Juliette, Bella and Emma.

Detailed obituary to follow.

Abilene, TX

Thomas "Tom" James Paulsen, Sr., passed away in his home, on or about, Thursday, July 21, 2016 in Abilene, Texas at the age of 74. Tom Sr. was born on November 3, 1941 in Mason City, Iowa to Thomas Christian Paulsen and Violet Mae (Johnson) Paulsen. 

A memorial service will be 5:00 PM, Tuesday, August 2, 2016, in North's Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange St, Abilene, Texas. His four sons, Thomas Jr., Timothy, Terance, and Travis, as well as his niece Crystal and Granddaughters Kayla, Juliette, Bella and Emma will be in attendance.

Thomas Sr. was born on November 3, 1941 in Mason City, Iowa to Thomas Christian and Violet Mae Mills. He enlisted in the Navy in September of 1959 as an Instrument Man before completing high school. Upon discharge from the Navy he completed his General Education Diploma. His first assignment in the Navy was aboard the U.S.S. Oak Hill (LSD-7) as an Electricians Mate. His next and final assignment was aboard the U.S.S. Diachenko (APD-123) where he served as a Fireman until he was discharged in November of 1962 having served nearly 3 years at sea. His awards included, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Quemoy-Matsu) and the National Defense Service Medal.

In September of 1971 he married Vanessa Kaye Wiebrand of Mason City, Iowa. Together they had four sons, Thomas James Jr., Timothy John, Terance Joseph and Travis Jerome. They resided in Mason City until divorcing in April of 1980. Following in their father's footsteps 3 of the 4 sons joined the Armed Forces. Tom was extremely proud of their Military Service and often bragged of their escalades at the coffee shops he frequented. Tom was an accomplished Automotive Mechanic and was passionate about collecting and working on cars with his sons. Tom was a Lifetime Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and he served as a Post Commander of Post 733 in Mason City, Iowa. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Christian; and mother, Violet Mae (Johnson); and sisters, Phyllis, Charlene, Jennifer; and brothers, Bradley and Michael.

Thomas Sr. is survived by his four sons; Thomas Jr., and his five daughters; Sierra, Whitney, Kayla, Tessa and Abigail of Marion, Iowa; Timothy, and his daughter, Sarah of Emmaus, Pennsylvania; Terance, and his three daughters, Mariah, Bella, and Emma of Schertz, Texas; Travis, and his daughter, Juliette of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and his sisters, Nicole, and her daughter Crystal of Southern California; Violet, and her two daughters, Hollie and Tuddie of Garner, Iowa; and brother, Francis, and his daughter Melanie of Mason City, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Salvation Army in his name.