United States of America
Headstone of Michael Charles Pauling
U.S. Army · United States United States

Michael Charles Pauling

Died August 2, 2001

Michael Charles Pauling served in the U.S. Army for 15 years. Michael served during the years of the Cold War and Gulf War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Blunt force trauma
Mechanism Motor vehicle

Vehicular assault

What Happened

Game Warden Michael Pauling was killed after being dragged alongside a vehicle that sped away as he was talking to the driver at about 12:30 am.

He had stopped to investigate a couple who were involved in a domestic disturbance in a vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 73, between Highway 82 and Savannah Avenue, in Port Arthur. Warden Pauling had the female participant wait in his department pickup truck while he returned to the vehicle to check on the welfare of the woman's children. The male suddenly sped away, dragging Warden Pauling alongside the vehicle.

The female participant, driving Warden Pauling's vehicle, then began following the car dragging him. When Warden Pauling fell from the vehicle he was struck by the female participant, who had called 911 on her cell phone reporting the incident. The male subject turned himself in and was charged with capital murder.

On September 20th, 2002, the 32-year-old subject was sentenced to 55 years and fined $10,000 for Warden Pauling's murder. He will be eligible for parole on July 10, 2029.

Warden Pauling was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for five years.

Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two sons, and parents.
Media
Michael Charles Pauling
Michael Charles Pauling 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Army
1976 – 1988
U.S. Army
1991 – 1991
Also Served
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Law Enforcement Division
Game Warden
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 17W · Line 22 cut as MICHAEL CHARLES PAULING
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtp81qjk1w651p143d055
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Game Warden Pauling gave the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 5 years.

Thank you for your service to the Austin community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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