Paul Eric Pancoast, 56, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2007, at his home in Roswell, N.M. He is survived by his wife, Charmaine Lindsey Pancoast; two children, Devin and Leanna "CC" Lindsey; parents, Paul V. and Loretto Pancoast of Baton Rouge; sister and brother-in-law, Leslie Walton and Peyton Walton of Lafayette, and their three children; sister, Peggy Bergeron and her three children; and brother and sister-in-law, Thomas M. Pancoast and Bridget Howald Pancoast, all of Baton Rouge. Born in New Orleans, Paul was reared in Lafayette. He earned his Eagle Scout award at the age of 13, at that time the youngest in the state to reach that goal. He excelled in music, playing trumpet as part of his high school band as well as District Honor Band and All State Honor Band. In 1967, he traveled Europe and played trumpet as part of the All Student Groups USA. He attended Judice High School and graduated from Comeaux High School in 1968, receiving the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award. Paul attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana and LSU and was involved in music at both schools, including the schools' marching bands. He went on to the University of Texas, where he earned a doctor of pharmacology degree. Paul's professional career encompassed various aspects of the medical and pharmacological fields, and he was involved with numerous pharmacological organizations. At all times, he devoted himself to mentoring medical and pharmacy students. In addition, he worked with music students and wrote music for several schools, from Hattiesburg, Miss., to Gulfport, Miss. He performed with his own band, Dr. Rock, as well as the Theatre of Performing Arts Orchestra. Family and friends will dearly miss Paul, but the meaningful work that he was involved with will live on. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pharmacy Recovery Network, c/o Pancoast, 16143 Antietam Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70817. Visitation at Resthaven Funeral Home on Friday, June 1, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Lane, on Saturday, June 2, from 9 a.m. until Mass at 11 a.m. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory.
Published in The Advocate on 5/31/2007.
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To Those Whom I Love and Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that I have had so many years
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness
I thank you for the love each have shown
But now it is time I traveled on alone
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It is only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories in your heart
I will not be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All of my love around you soft and clear
Then, when you must come this way alone
I will greet you with a smile and a Welcome Home
-Mary Alice Ramish-