Paul Edward Shelton

Paul Edward Shelton, 75, was born on February 10, 1951, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Charles Shelton and Bertha Ferrel. He passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Paul is united in heaven with his only son, Jesse Shelton, as well as his father, Charles, and his mother, Bertha. He is survived by his daughter‑in‑law, Amy Burnett, whom he loved as if she were his own daughter.

He completed high school and was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War, serving four years in Germany building bridges. After his service to his country, he bought his mother a home, got married, and welcomed his son in 1981. He loved his son Jesse deeply.

In his early years, Paul worked painting cars and doing bodywork. He later began building houses and pole barns. He had a special talent for making jewelry, mojo bags, hats, and walking sticks. He enjoyed camping and could often be found with a peace sign in one hand and a pipe in the other. He loved a good drum circle at the hippie gatherings he attended and was a devoted fan of the Grateful Dead.

Paul enjoyed reading books and watching wrestling every Monday with his friends Tony and Helen Elders. He also loved watching his son compete in the local demolition derby. He never met a stranger and will be deeply missed by those who loved him—his best friend Gloria Hale, Pat Gourley, Jolene Gourley, Sherry Cosby‑Ray, Sky Johnson, Tony and Helen Elders, Mary, Lucy, Red Dog, and Bert Richardson.

We will forever miss him and think of him every time we see a “ripple in still water” or an eagle soaring high in the sky!

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Binkley Ross Funeral Home. No services will be held at this time.

Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave condolences online for the family.