Roll Call Tribute

Paul Dudley Cretien, Jr. 

November 29, 1927 - October 14, 2024 

Paul Dudley Cretien, Jr., 96, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 14, 2024, in Waco, Texas. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather; a successful professor and author; and a generous volunteer. He will be remembered for his extraordinary kindness, his wit, and the clever cards and drawings he made for his loved ones.

The only child of Paul D. Cretien and Elsie J. Krecek, Paul was born November 29, 1927, in Dallas. He graduated from Highland Park High School and attended Texas A&M University for three years before transferring to Washington University in St. Louis, where he received a BFA in 1955. He later earned an MBA from Southern Methodist University and in 1968 a PhD from University of Texas.

Paul enjoyed two long, loving marriages. He married Sarah Frances English in 1951 and with her raised their two children, Caroline and Reagan. After Sarah’s untimely death in 1984, he met Marjory McNeal Leavell. They fell in love and were married from 1987 until her death in 2022.

For two years Paul served in Germany as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve and before going to graduate school ran a commercial illustration business in Dallas. After earning his PhD he taught at LSU for two years and then went to University of Colorado/Colorado Springs, where he taught for sixteen years. During that time he had visiting positions in Jamaica and Hawaii. In 1985 he moved to Waco, Texas, to serve as Director of Finance in the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University and remained in that position until his retirement.

Paul published an illustrated children’s book, Sir Henry and the Dragon, in 1958 and wrote many articles for Futures Magazine (later Modern Trader).

He and his family spent summers together at a cabin near Boulder, Colorado. He ran the 10K Bolder Boulder every Memorial Day from age 51 until 83, when he placed fifth in his age group.

In his retirement, Paul volunteered for CASA (Court Appointed Child Advocates) and delivered Meals on Wheels. He evaluated exams for the Credit Analyst Education Program at LSU. He also served as a devoted caretaker to Marjory as her health declined over two decades.

Paul is predeceased by his parents, his two wives, and his daughter, Sarah Caroline Carter. He is survived by his son Paul Reagan Cretien; his granddaughter Sarah Carter; his grandsons Nathan Cretien, Chase Carter, and Chance Carter; and his great granddaughter Juniper Cretien.

The family wishes to recognize Patricia Davila for her generous friendship and care of Paul in his final years and also the devoted care of Rebecca Johnson of Home Instead.

Memorial gifts may be made to Seventh and James Baptist Church. A memorial service will take place at Seventh and James Baptist Church in Waco, Texas at 11:00 am on Monday, December 2, 2024.