Leon "Trenton" Pauley

Leon Trenton Pauley, 80, of Grafton passed away Saturday, May 25, 2025 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born September 4, 1944, in Charleston, son of the late James Meredith and Mary Louise Hamric Pauley. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Warder Pauley whom he married on May 10, 1967, spending more than fifty eight years together.

Trenton was a graduate of Morgantown High School, Class of 1962 and from West Virginia University, Class of 1967. He married the love of his life Nancy Warder on May 10, 1967. He was commissioned a 2LT in the USAF on May 14, 1967 through USAF ROTC Detachment 915 at WVU. Trenton was awarded USAF Pilot wings June 1968. He flew 196 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom and 50 combat missions in the A-7D in Vietnam (1971-1973). Trenton was awarded his Parachutist badge July 1975, was an Air Liaison Officer to the 82nd Airborne Division 1975-1978, awarded master parachutist badge and Command pilot wings. He was assigned to the United Nations as a UN Military Observers between Israel and Egypt, Lebanon, Syria. Trenton returned to the States as an Instructor Pilot for the A-10 Thunderbolt II| (Warthog). He returned to the Mid East as Deputy Chief of the US Military Mission in Kuwait and USAF Advisor to the Kuwait Air Force. Upon arrival to Shaw AFB he took command of the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron flying the 0-2 Cessna Sky Master and the OT-37 Scorpion. He retired from the USAF in August 1988 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Trenton received many military awards and decorations during his career including a Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Military Service Medal, 2 Military Service Medals, 16 Air Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Korea National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the United Nations Medal. After retiring from the Air Force he flew with Eastern Air Lines until it went out of business. He earned a Middle Grade Teaching Certification in all subjects, teaching 6th grade for 11 Years in Fayetteville, GA. Then he retired to Grafton where he and his wife purchased her grandfather's farm. Desiring to continue service to his country, he moved his membership in the VFW to Grafton. Grafton VFW Post 3081 elected him Post Commander. He was elected 3rd VFW District Commander and in 2018 was elected VFW State Commander earning the Coveted All American State Commander Award. Gold Legacy Life Member. Member of Taylor County Honor Guard and has participated in over 950 funerals plus numerous patriotic events.

Trenton was selected to be the General Chair of Grafton's Memorial Day activities three times and was appointed to the Taylor County Health Board serving on the new building committee.

Trenton is survived by two children, Heather Houlden (Richard), Derek Pauley, three grandchildren, Noah Warder Houlden, Ryan Hamric Houlden, Autumn Sloan, one sister Sue Anderson (Stu), three brothers, W. Kent Pauley (Christine), Dwight James Pauley (Susan), David Winnonda Pauley (Sheila), and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Trenton was preceded in death by his brother, M. Brent Pauley.

Family and friends may call at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., Grafton, WV on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 1:00—6:00PM. and on Monday, June 2, 2025 from 9:00AM until 12:30PM the hour of the funeral with Pastor Todd Jarman officiating. Interment will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery with full Military Honors accorded by the US Air Force and the Taylor Honor Guard. Online condolences may be sent to the Pauley family at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pauley family. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to the Taylor County Honor Guard or the West Virginia State VFW.

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