Paul Zenon Gumela's Obituary
Paul Zenon Gumela was born March 29, 1956, in Poland, to Zenon and Agnieszka. He moved to New York in his twenties and lived there for a few years before moving to Michigan and finally residing in Texas. He married Masako in the early 80s and was married to her until her death in 2020.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Masako, and his parents, Zenon and Agnieszka Ludzmierski Gumela.
He is survived by his son John Valade and partner Kelly, grandson Jeff Valade and his wife Jessica, and their children; son David and his wife Usha and their son Austin; brother Piotr and wife Krystyna, and their 2 children and extended families; his brother John and his wife Patricia and their 3 children and their extended families.
Paul worked for years in the oil and gas business, first in Poland with his brothers, and then here in the US. He was a go-getter and an entrepreneur. He retired a few years ago but was still consulting even after he started having some health issues. It never slowed him down!
His friend Joe shared that Paul was not only an avid businessman but also an adventurous one.
During the mid-1990's he made several trips to Western Siberia in Russia. In an area which now produces most of Europe's natural gas, he negotiated with local authorities for development licenses only to be superseded by the Russian giant Gasprom. Seeing that the business climate was right, and not to be deterred, he sought opportunities in the trucking business and precious stone mining there as well. Unfortunately, at that time in Russia, logistics were piecemeal at best. But how wonderful it was to be an American able to travel to Siberia north of the Artic Circle just after the fall of communism. Paul saw the opportunity and pursued it and made friends along the way. What an adventure that was!
Paul had a joyful passion for original performance cars, always appreciating their history and craftsmanship. He thrived in the outdoors hunting, fishing, and traveling. He found happiness in every adventure and new experience. Paul’s charismatic personality always brought joy to those around him and he was an endless source of interesting conversation.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Joseph Earthman Generations Funeral Home at 234 Westcott, Houston, TX, 77007, from 4-7pm.
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