Patrick Churchwell, 62, of Melissa, Texas, passed away on October 29, 2026, in Melissa, Texas. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend to all who knew and loved him.
Patrick was born on February 9, 1964, in Dallas, Texas, to Frank Churchwell, Jr. and Brenda Shurtleff. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs, Texas Longhorns, and Dallas Cowboys, and he found great joy in channeling that love into coaching youth football, baseball, basketball, and soccer. Patrick possessed an adventurous spirit, filling his time with scuba diving, skiing, running, biking, and exploring the outdoors. He also loved to relax by pitching washers, bowling, playing golf, and listening to music. However, none of these passions compared to the simple joy of spending time with his family and friends.
Above all, Patrick loved the Lord and lived out his faith in Christ with a life dedicated to serving others. He served the Allen Fire Department with honor and distinction as a firefighter and paramedic from 1986 until 2017. During his time at AFD, his peers selected him as commander of the Honor Guard, a role he held for over five years.
While serving his community, Patrick also began his Masonic journey at Allen Lodge No. 1435 A.F. & A.M. He was initiated on June 18, 1996, passed on September 23, 1999, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on November 23, 1999, later becoming a dedicated 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.
In 2002, Patrick proudly answered the call to serve his country as a Hospital Corpsman and Behavioral Health Technician in the United States Navy Reserve, serving faithfully until 2012. Throughout his life, whether wearing a fire uniform, military uniform, or his Masonic apron, Patrick walked with integrity, selflessness, and a servant's heart.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Katy; his mother, Brenda Shurtleff and step-father, Rusty Shurtleff of Garden Valley, Texas; daughter, Nicki Bishop of Dallas, Texas; son, Derrick Churchwell of Paris, Texas; son, Byron Dodson and wife, Liz Malone of Houston, Texas; son, Jarod Dodson and wife, Regan Dodson of Melissa, Texas; son, Andrew Churchwell of Plano, Texas; grandson, Christian Spears and wife, Tori Spears of Gresham, Oregon; granddaughter, Kindall Bishop of Austin, Texas; grandson, Coen Bishop of Austin, Texas; granddaughter, Daisy Dodson of Melissa, Texas; great-granddaughter, Aila Spears of Gresham, Oregon; great-granddaughter, Roslyn Bishop of Austin, Texas; sister, Stephanie Grace of New Orleans, Louisiana; brother, Mike Churchwell of Greenville, Texas; sister, Mary Nichols and husband, Chris Nichols of Edmond, Oklahoma; sister, Erin Vaden and husband, Chance Vaden of Haslet, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Churchwell, Jr. of Grand Saline, Texas.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 6, 2026, at First Melissa Church, 2101 East Melissa Road, Melissa, Texas 75454. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday morning 10:00 a.m. at First Melissa Church.