Paddy Norton McCullough

Paddy Norton McCullough was born August 24, 1935, in the home at 711 – 25 Mile Ave in Hereford, Texas to Ralph Edwin and Anna Helen (Halek) McCullough. They moved to Amarillo, Texas in 1942 and then returned to Hereford in 1950 where he graduated from Hereford High in 1953 as Valedictorian. After high school he went on to attend Texas Tech University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with honors and was a member of Tau Beta Pi (Engineering honor society), Kappa Mu Epsilon (Mathematics honor society) and Kappa Sigma Fraternity, 1957.

Paddy met his love, Sylvia Mae McCracken, in 1950, when he returned to Hereford, TX. They were married in the First Methodist Church in Hereford, Texas on March 31, 1956.

After graduation from college Paddy went to work for Hughes Tool Company in Houston, Texas where he worked as a design engineer before working in the oil fields in New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana. For a period of several months in 1964 and 1965 he worked for Penrod Drilling Company preparing several offshore drilling rigs for operation in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1965 Paddy became associated with the Hughes Tool Company’s Industrial Division where he designed large diameter tunneling machines, mine shaft drilling equipment and offshore drilling of footings for above water structures. His next assignment was Marketing Manager of the first hydraulic breaker used in construction demolition. In this position Paddy called on Ford Motor Company’s Tractor Division as well as John Deere, Case, Massey Ferguson, JCB and Allis. At that time Ford Motor Company provided Paddy with the opportunity to become an agricultural and light construction equipment dealer which all happened on October 16, 1971, in Wichita, Kansas. Paddy was actively involved in Wichita Tractor Company through the late 1990’s & early 2000’s when he relinquished daily operations to his two sons. He continued being involved until February 2012 when he experienced health issues.

Paddy was a long-time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas where he served on many committees and chairing several through the years. Paddy was a member of Rolling Hills Country Club and served on its Board of Directors and was President in 1988.

Paddy loved celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, loved watching most sports, and following the Dallas Cowboys through feast or famine.  He was a member of Rolling Hills Country Club where he enjoyed golfing along with typical vacations that included finding places to golf with his wife and friends from coast to coast. Paddy also loved his dogs, which were his many close companions beginning with a Cocker Spaniel named Mike in 1941 and his last companion, a rescue Cairn Terrier named Carma. All were special.

But his biggest love and joy came from spending time with his family, from Monday night meals, holidays and supporting all family members in what ever activities they might participate in, whether sports, dance, music programs you knew he would be there cheering you on.

Paddy is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Sylvia, sons Clayton Ralph (Tami) and J. Donald (Renell). Grandchildren Missy Dossey (Craig), Dr. Cassie Gerlach (Nick), Lindsay Kingsley (Kelby), Jesse McCullough, Paige Ott (BJ), Quinton Forrester and Ethan Forrester (Jamie). 19 Great Grandchildren: Brooklynn, Cydnee, Caleb and Landon Dossey, Reagan, Sebastian, Mary Gemma, Desi and Bernadette Gerlach, McKenzie and Konner Kingsley, Skylar and Rogan Paddy McCullough, Roxie, Ouiser, J.L., Dottie James Ott, Lir and Calder Forrester.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother, Donald Ray, who was killed in the occupation of the Manila Islands on 7/27/1947, after having fought in the European Campaign in WWII, and sister Norma Jean Killian of Plano, Texas.

Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. A Celebration of Life will be 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Services will be livestreamed and available by clicking the “Watch Funeral Service” below.

In lieu of flowers Paddy would appreciate donations to the Endowment Scholarship Fund, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 West 21^st St North, Wichita, Kansas 67205 or the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 North Hillside St, Wichita, Kansas 67220.