Paul D. Shank

Paul Shank, 85, of Helena, Alabama, passed away on July 8, 2021. He was born on August 16, 1935 in Springville, IN to Mable and Oscar Shank. He was a long time, faithful member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church where he was involved in several ministries and made many friends. Whether he was behind the scenes helping with set-up, helping the film crew, working as a greeter, or driving the bus, you could be assured he was doing it with a happy heart and probably some sort of "shenanigans" geared to make you smile. He loved the Lord and he loved his family and his love was never failing. He will be truly missed by his loved ones and many friends but we celebrate his Heavenly homecoming.

Paul was a residential contractor by trade and drove a school bus for the Shelby County School System for 20 years. He had many hobbies and interests over the years and woodworking was a special favorite. He was a member of the Alabama Woodworkers Guild and had many friends at the AWG Woodworking Education Center in Maylene, AL. Other hobbies included fishing, golf, racing remote controlled airplanes and boats, motorcycling, RVing and even square dancing in his younger days. He stayed busy and loved sharing his hobbies with his family and friends. He was a "character" who never met a stranger and who loved being around people. If you knew Paul Shank, he was your friend. To quote a friend, his death "is the closing of a big chapter!" His was a life well lived and we cherish our many memories of him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 28 years, Gay Shank, and two stepsons, Norman Arnett and Michael Arnett. He is survived by his children, son Randy Shank (Barbara), and daughters Paula Foster, and Pamela Allums (Mike); Grandchildren Apryl Broome (Jeremy), Christy Foster, Ashley Foster, Mallory Fowler (Riley), Carter Allums (Caroline), Angela Shank, and three great-grandsons. He is also survived by stepson Alan Arnett (Beth) and step-grandson Jay Arnett (Mindy).

Services will be held at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood, AL on Monday, July 12, 2021. Visitation at 12:00 noon. Service at 1:00 pm. Private family burial will be later at Acton Memorial Cemetery.