Paul Alan Kay

Paul Alan Kay, 71, of Denton, Texas, passed away on Sept.11, 2023, after a short but heroic battle with interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Paul was born on Nov. 9, 1951, to John Henry Kay Jr. and Alice Mae Nielsen Kay in Chicago, Illinois. The family moved to the suburb of Deerfield, Illinois, when Paul was 4. He attended primary schools there, and then Deerfield High School. Paul and Madeline were high-school sweethearts after her family moved to Deerfield. He graduated in 1969, and then went to Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, and on to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb for a graduate degree in computer science.

His first jobs were in the Chicago area, and then he moved to the Minneapolis area. He advanced quickly through the ranks and became CIO of several international companies and was involved in startups as well. He worked in numerous locations around the globe, including three periods in Tokyo.

During Paul’s years in Minnesota, he and his first wife raised two children, Andrea and Justin. Paul was a dedicated, loving and thoughtful father who provided well, giving his family a rich and fulfilling life. He was an avid cyclist and enjoyed golfing when he wasn’t coaching girls and boys sports.

After more than 30 years, Paul and Madeline reconnected and eventually married on May 28, 2005. Paul became a “bonus dad” to Madeline’s three children, Jason, Lori and Kristi. He loved all five children equally. Paul and Madeline spent their time traveling the world making beautiful memories. He was always there for his children, offering advice, support and comfort. Paul was known as a generous, caring and compassionate man, who freely gave everyone his unconditional love.

Paul is survived by his wife, Madeline; five children, Andrea Kay McFarland, Justin Kay, Jason Lamb, Lori Thielman and Kristi Young; seven grandchildren, Alexandra and Abigail McFarland, Meyer and McCarty Lamb, and Ethan, Keegan and RaeLynn Young; and several cousins. Recently, Paul connected with his cousin, Linda McCarty, while researching family history.

Paul is predeceased by his father John and his mother Alice.

Burial will be in Dublin, Texas, near Paul’s great grandparents John Edwin and Lucy Della McCarty; grandparents John “Pat” and Maurine Kay; father John Kay; and aunt Mary Smith and uncle David Kay. Many other Andruss and McCarty ancestors are buried close by.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at Live Oak Cemetery in Dublin on Sept. 23, 2023, at noon, followed by time to gather at a local cafe.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (or text PFFTribute1368 to 71777) to help continue research for patients struggling with interstitial lung disease, a form of pulmonary fibrosis.