08/21/2025
Vance David Paton, age 68, passed away on Saturday, August 16th, 2025. He was born in Fountainbleau, France, on June 14th, 1957, to Joseph (Joe) Paton and Corene (Coco) Wiederkehr Paton.
Vance served as his high school’s Senior Class President and was a National Merit Scholar. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and was later named a distinguished alumnus. He went on to attend law school and graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in 1981. He started his own private practice and specialized in both criminal and juvenile law. Among his many accolades, he was honored and named the Ad Litem Attorney of the year for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) numerous times.
An avid crossword puzzle aficionado, Vance was known for his sharp mind and quick wit. Gifted with a photographic memory, he never had to crack a book until he got to law school. His good grades and lack of study often happened to the chagrin of his three brothers, who did not share the same affliction.
A collector at heart, Vance cherished gathering items tied to memories of people and places he visited. His travels took him around the globe, where he delighted in bringing back trinkets and treasures. From ornate steins and commemorative pins to decorative frogs and family heirlooms. His generosity with gifts often bordered on extravagant, but it reflected the way he lived. Loving others with his whole heart and caring for those who needed his comfort, support, and guidance.
A juvenile client once commented on his impressive moustache and said it reminded her of Dr. Seuss’s famous character, The Lorax. Not knowing the book or the movie, he asked her who The Lorax was and what he did. Her answer was simple: “He protects and speaks for the trees. Just like what you do for me.”
He was an integral part of the inception and creation of the drug court program in Nueces County, Texas where he represented both children and parents alike, working diligently to reunify families. He counted its success among his finest achievements.
His irreverent humor and quick wit were extremely endearing. Even when the joke didn’t quite hit, his cackling laughter (usually followed by a coughing fit) made sure everyone else was laughing with him. Family members and close friends would often lovingly admonish him for always going “One too far, Vance. One too far.”
An avid concert goer and music lover, he often enjoyed attending concerts with friends and family and loved introducing people to new music or artists that he loved. Two of the concerts he was proudest to have experienced were seeing the legendary Frank Sinatra in San Antonio and B.B. King live. Always ready for a celebration, he was the family holiday toast master and truly spent time thinking through the words and blessings that he wished for his family.
He was a gifted sportsman who often enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his family’s ranches. He also never met a chicharron he didn’t like. Later in life, his treasured pet dogs Gizmo and Finley brought him much comfort and enjoyment with their loyalty.
To all who knew him, Vance was a man with a heart of gold. A true champion for those without a voice, his clients would often stay in touch with him far after his legal knowledge was needed.
Considered as a father figure to many, he was a loving son, a mentor, a doting uncle, a loyal brother, and a steadfast friend who truly loved spending quality time with those he loved.
The family would like to personally thank his closest and most cherished friends and confidants, Elias and Gloria, for loving him just like he loved them, unconditionally.
He leaves behind his mother Corene (Coco) Wiederkehr Paton; his brothers, Joseph Keith (Teresa) Paton, of Kosciusko, MS, Kurt A. Paton of Benavides, TX and Grant E. (Polly) Paton of Lorena, TX; eight nieces and nephews, Blake Paton, Victoria Paton, Alexandria Paton, Sarita Paton, Selina Paton, Heather (Jon) Clark, Jennifer Byram, and Lisa (Daniel) Elwell; his uncle Roger (Kathy) Paton of Gonzalez, LA; and numerous beloved cousins, friends, and family. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph (Joe) Paton.
Family will be receiving friends Friday, August 22, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Holmgreen Mortuary 2061 E. Main St. Alice, Texas. A Graveside Service will be Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Roselawn Cemetery in Alice, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Elias Villalobos, David Garcia, Joey Nelson, Timothy McCoy, Steve Macek, Rocky Kneten, and honorary pallbearers Daniel Elwell and George Foster.
If you would like to send flowers the family has requested to use Living By Faith (361) 660-0512 704 E Main St, Alice, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Freer High School Academic UIL in memory of Vance Paton. Attn: Ellen Atkinson at P.O. Box 240 Freer, TX 78357.
