Dr. Thomas Desiré Pawley, III
August 5, 1917 ~ August 1, 2016
Thomas Desir Pawley, III, PhD, 98, of Jefferson City, passed away Monday, August 1, 2016, at Adams Street Place.
He was born on August 5, 1917, in Jackson, Mississippi, the son of the late Prof. Thomas D. Pawley, Jr., and Ethel John (Woolfolk) Pawley.
Dr. Pawley began his education at the lab school on the Virginia State University campus and graduated from high school at the age of fifteen. He then continued his higher education earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia State College at age nineteen. He enrolled in the University of Iowa where he was awarded both a Master degree and Doctoral degree.
He was united in marriage on August 14, 1941, in Texarkana, Texas to Ethel Louise McPeters who preceded him in death on October 23, 2012.
Dr. Pawley took his first teaching position at Atlanta University. In later years he was a visiting professor at the University of California, Northern Illinois University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Missouri.
In 1940, Dr. Pawley came to Missouri and took a temporary appointment at Lincoln University as instructor of English and Director of Dramatics. The temporary appointment turned into forty-eight years of educational instructions before he retired in 1988 from Lincoln University. During those years he served as University Marshal, head of the departments of English, Speech, Theatre, and Communications, as well as chairman of the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts. From 1977 to 1983 he served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He was also Writer in Residence and Curator's Distinguished Professor of Speech and Theatre.
Dr. Pawley was honored for his career with Lincoln University when the Langston Hughes Little Theatre was renamed the Thomas D. Pawley, III, Theatre. In 2015, Lincoln presented Dr. Pawley with an honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.
In 1970, Dr. Pawley co-authored a book entitled "The Black Teacher and the Dramatic Arts." He wrote more than thirty plays, hundreds of poems, articles, and papers, and was published in college papers, national magazines, anthropologies.
During his career he was honored with numerous awards including Meritorious Service to NADSA from 1953-1955, Outstanding Educator of America in 1970, two Unity Awards from Lincoln University, honored as an American Theatre Fellow in 1979; and presented the prestigious Mister Brown Award of the National Conference on African American Theatre in 1986. The City of Jefferson honored Dr. Pawley on October 12, 2014, as the Dr. Thomas Pawley, III, Day and presented the Jefferson City Coin with the number 80 engraved on the coin in recognition of his years of service to his fraternity. He received resolution from the 83rd Missouri House of Representatives, a Senate Resolution from the 97th General Assembly, and a Proclamation from Governor Jay Nixon. He received the Professor Emeriti Service Award from Lincoln University in 2003, and the Missouri Arts Award from the Missouri Council of the Arts in 1999.
Dr. Pawley was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Jefferson City where he served on the Vestry, taught Sunday School, and presented programs and poetry readings for many years.
Jefferson City Mayor John C. Christy appointed Dr. Pawley to the Library Board of Directors which he served on for many years including serving as President of the Board during the ground breaking of the current Jefferson City Library.
Dr. Pawley was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity , Inc., on December 15, 1934, and became life member #636 in 1970. He was a dedicated brother to the fraternity for over eighty years. In 1996, the fraternity honored Dr. Pawley with their highest award, the Award of Merit.
In his spare time he enjoyed family genealogy, traveling with his wife to Las Vegas to play slot machines, visit with friends, play golf and tennis, and attend theatrical shows.
Survivors include two son, Thomas Pawley, IV, (Debbie Enright), Jefferson City; Larry Pawley, Jefferson City; one sister, Gloria Martin, Maryland; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two brothers, Melvin and Bruce Pawley.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, August 5, 2016, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home.
The Funerary Ritual, inducting a Brother into Omega Chapter, the Chapter for all deceased Brother's, will be conducted 10 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2016, in the Charlene and Robert Mitchell Auditorium at Richardson Fine Arts Center on Lincoln University campus. The service is open to the public.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 6, 2016, at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. Harvel Sanders and the Rev. Shariya Molegoda officiating.
Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 2413 Hyde Park Road, Jefferson City, MO 65109; or to the American Heart Association, 915 Country Ridge Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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While we all wish that those who greatly inspired us, whether
they be near or afar, remain forever, but we must realize that their gifts to us remain within and influence our lives forever. We all so loved our brilliant and kind Dr. Pawley. Happy to have chatted with him a few times in the past few years.
Comfort and deep condolences to the family.
While we all wish that those who greatly inspired us, whether
they be near or afar, remain forever, but we must realize that their gifts to us remain within and influence our lives forever. We all so loved our brilliant and kind Dr. Pawley. Happy to have chatted with him a few times in the past few years.
Comfort and deep condolences to the family.
The first Sunday after we moved to MO, we attended the “Lessons & Carols” service at Grace. Dr. Pawley gave the first lesson from Genesis. His amazing rendition of the creation story hooked us as members. I was blest to know and break bread with both Tom and Ethel and loved them both dearly. They are together again, TBTG and the heaven’s rejoice.
I have had a very fulfilling career in theatre since the Lord used Dr. Pawley to call me into its ranks. I had planned to major in music, but after attending a High School Interscholastic Speech and Drama Festival at South Carolina Stae College where Dr. Pawley was adjudicator, I knew exactly what God wanted me to do.
I have admired Dr. Pawley and his work over the years, and I am thankful to my late mentor, Dr. H.D. Flowers, for introducing me and my colleagues to such fine educators such as Dr. Pawley in our profession. We were surrounded by those who modeled and imparted excellence and a passion for helping develop the craft in others who were eager to learn.
I have had a very fulfilling career in theatre since the Lord used Dr. Pawley to call me into its ranks. I had planned to major in music, but after attending a High School Interscholastic Speech and Drama Festival at South Carolina Stae College where Dr. Pawley was adjudicator, I knew exactly what God wanted me to do.
I have admired Dr. Pawley and his work over the years, and I am thankful to my late mentor, Dr. H.D. Flowers, for introducing me and my colleagues to such fine educators such as Dr. Pawley in our profession. We were surrounded by those who modeled and imparted excellence and a passion for helping develop the craft in others who were eager to learn.
My condolences to Larry and TD. RIP, Dr. Pawley and THANKS for being what you were to so many of those who came after you.
Edwin “Left Field” Hamilton
My condolences to Larry and TD. RIP, Dr. Pawley and THANKS for being what you were to so many of those who came after you.
Edwin “Left Field” Hamilton
TD, my life-long friend, Larry and Pawley family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of your father and loved one. I can remember back to Cub/Boy Scout days hosted by your parents @ 718 Lafayette and your Dad reciting/teaching poetry (e.g.,”Gunga Din”, et al.). May God bless you and keep you in His care. Be blessed!
TD, my life-long friend, Larry and Pawley family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of your father and loved one. I can remember back to Cub/Boy Scout days hosted by your parents @ 718 Lafayette and your Dad reciting/teaching poetry (e.g.,”Gunga Din”, et al.). May God bless you and keep you in His care. Be blessed!
T.D. and :Larry,
Libby and I want to extend our deepest condolences to you and your families on the death of your dad. He was a tremendous educator and an outstanding individual to those that knew him. We first met about 60 yrs ago and I like to think we have been friends ever since. I last saw him a couple months ago at CRMC Healthplex and we had a nice visit. I will be on the east coast at the time of the funeral but wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers.
T.D. and :Larry,
Libby and I want to extend our deepest condolences to you and your families on the death of your dad. He was a tremendous educator and an outstanding individual to those that knew him. We first met about 60 yrs ago and I like to think we have been friends ever since. I last saw him a couple months ago at CRMC Healthplex and we had a nice visit. I will be on the east coast at the time of the funeral but wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers.
T.D., please know that Steve and I are thinking of you and your family during this sad time.
Farewell Dear Brother our prayers go out to the Pawley Family
The William Porter Family
Farewell Dear Brother our prayers go out to the Pawley Family
The William Porter Family
T.D. and Larry and your families please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. He was admired by all who knew him .. a scholar and true gentleman. He will be missed by all.
Brother Dr. Pawley never ceased to amaze me with his wealth of knowledge. It was a wonder to just sit and talk with him. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed by many.
Larry and T.D., prayers here in Nashville for all in your family, from my parents, my sister, nieces and me. Your father’s keen wit, ready smile and hearty laugh are all part of my childhood’s treasured memories.
A beautiful soul came into the world on August 5, 1917 and left an indelible mark o those he touched. Dr. Pawley (Doc) gave so much of himself to his students. His DNA lives in those he taught to love theatre, to be curious and creative, and ultimately to make the world a better place in which to live. Thank you Larry and T.D. for sharing him with us, and thank you God for sending Doc into our lives.
With respect to the recent transitioning of Dr. Thomas D. Pawley, III, may the Pawley family and friends please accept my prayers and condolences for their loved-one.
Dr. Thomas D. Pawley, III will be immensely missed but never forgotten by family, friends, colleagues, and associates.
For all who knew or had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Thomas D. Pawley, III, the world is a better place as a result of him sharing his array of talents in the disciplines of Humanities and Fine Arts/Dramatics/Theater/Speech, Communications, English Education, the Sciences, and numerous other career paths and/or organizational affiliations.
With respect to the recent transitioning of Dr. Thomas D. Pawley, III, may the Pawley family and friends please accept my prayers and condolences for their loved-one.
Dr. Thomas D. Pawley, III will be immensely missed but never forgotten by family, friends, colleagues, and associates.
For all who knew or had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Thomas D. Pawley, III, the world is a better place as a result of him sharing his array of talents in the disciplines of Humanities and Fine Arts/Dramatics/Theater/Speech, Communications, English Education, the Sciences, and numerous other career paths and/or organizational affiliations.
Dr. Pawley was a Lincoln icon. He lived to the ripe age of 98. He sowed seeds of knowledge so that we may be nourish and grow in wisdom. Those of us who were privilege to have had him as a professor, were truly fortunate. May God bless his family.
Lionel Harris, President
Chicago Metro Alumni Chapter
Dr. Pawley was a Lincoln icon. He lived to the ripe age of 98. He sowed seeds of knowledge so that we may be nourish and grow in wisdom. Those of us who were privilege to have had him as a professor, were truly fortunate. May God bless his family.
Lionel Harris, President
Chicago Metro Alumni Chapter
Dear family you have my sincere condolences. What precious memories you must hold of your dear father, brother, and uncle who lived such along life! May those memories, along with your reliance and trust in the one true God (Psalm 83:18) comfort you during this difficult time.
T.D. and Larry:
I was very sad to learn of Dr. Pawley’s death. Your father was a great man. I’ll never forget moving to Jefferson City with my family when I was five years old and having your family as our first next-door neighbors, especially how Larry, my sister Janet, and I used to play together as kids.
Peace and love,
JoNina (Erwin) Abron-Ervin
T.D. and Larry:
I was very sad to learn of Dr. Pawley’s death. Your father was a great man. I’ll never forget moving to Jefferson City with my family when I was five years old and having your family as our first next-door neighbors, especially how Larry, my sister Janet, and I used to play together as kids.
Peace and love,
JoNina (Erwin) Abron-Ervin
T.D., A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Your father, like mine, has left a lifetime of memories and smiles. Please accept my condolences, your father will never forgotten.
T.D. and family, I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your father.
Chick and I talked about your dedication to your father at our last class dinner. You have been a caring son that supported and cared for your father over his last years. Your father was truly a great person and will be missed by all! Please accept my deepest sympathy for his passing. Keith and Ana Maria Hendrix
T.D. and family, I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your father.
Chick and I talked about your dedication to your father at our last class dinner. You have been a caring son that supported and cared for your father over his last years. Your father was truly a great person and will be missed by all! Please accept my deepest sympathy for his passing. Keith and Ana Maria Hendrix
My name is Carlein. I am a Bible teacher. I am sorry for your loss. A scripture that has given me much comfort is Revelation 21.4 which promises that one day death shall be no more. I hope this truth brings you comfort also.
TD
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You can take comfort in the fact that you cared for him and made his last years comfortable. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Call me if you want to talk. 617-850-2013.
Leslie (Word Leath)
TD
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You can take comfort in the fact that you cared for him and made his last years comfortable. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Call me if you want to talk. 617-850-2013.
Leslie (Word Leath)
All noble, true, and courageous…there goes an Alpha man…
Farewell…Brother Victor K. Smith, APA-ARL, Ohio District Historian
All noble, true, and courageous…there goes an Alpha man…
Farewell…Brother Victor K. Smith, APA-ARL, Ohio District Historian
Lit a candle in memory of Dr. Thomas Desiré Pawley, III