Roll Call Tribute

Paul J. Bottoms 

November 3, 1934 - January 28, 2025 

Dr. Paul J. Bottoms, age 90, of Jewett, TX went to his Heavenly home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at 2 pm on February 8th, 2025 at The First Baptist Church in Jewett with Brother Allen Crosby officiating. Burial followed at Sardis Cemetery in Newby, TX.

Paul was born November 3, 1934, in Newby to Jack and Nettie Bottoms. He was the youngest of seven boys. After graduating from Jewett High School, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army, got married and was stationed in France. After the Army, he set off for college at Sam Houston State and then on to Texas A & M where he proudly graduated with a doctorate in physics. Paul was a scientist at the laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico until 1975. He then returned to his hometown of Jewett, where he worked as a metallurgist at Nucor Steel Mill. After retirement, he enjoyed becoming a licensed Master Electrician and working with the Texas Baptist Men building churches throughout the state. Other hobbies included gardening, golf, reading, and ranching.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Dena, and his son Larry. His parents Nettie and Jack, brothers Earl, Joe, Dale, Odelle, Durwood, and Jack.

Paul was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jewett, where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He was instrumental in the building of the Family Life Center. He also was a lifetime member of Jewett Masonic Lodge #427.

Paul is survived by his current wife Joyce Loftin of Waco, daughter, Cathy Bottoms of Houston, son, Ron Bottoms and wife Carmen of Jewett, daughter, Angela Zientek and husband Jimmy of Round Rock. Grandchildren: Jessica Estes and husband Jason, Adrienne Menke and husband Mills, Samantha Bottoms, Elizabeth Cochran and husband Daniel, Heath Bottoms and wife Abigail, Lauren Harris, Brittany Zientek, Missy Bottoms and Chase Flores, Brandon Zientek and wife Jordan, Cassidy Rivers and husband Dylan, and Logan Bottoms. Great Grandchildren: Elijah, Emerson and Audrey Estes, Adalie, Connor, and Ethan Menke, Kit, Eleanor, Annie Grace, and Zachry Cochran, Malachi, Maverick, and Forest Bottoms, Kylan Harris, Lakelee Flores, and Drake, and Heidi Rivers. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will miss him.

A special thanks to Joyce’s daughter Maria Swenson and son-in-law Eldon for all their support during this time.

The family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer Foundation of America https://alzfdn.org/ 

Texas on Mission aka Texas Baptist Men https://www.texansonmission.org/  A program near and dear to Paul’s heart.