Paul L. Welton

Paul was born in Glendale, CA but spent the last two and a half decades residing in WA.

Paul was the second eldest of four children born to Byron and Frances Welton.

He graduated from McLane High School and attended Fresno City College. After serving three years in the Army, including one year spent in Vietnam as an aviation communication equipment repairman, he returned to school and obtained his journeyman machinist degree.

Paul was an artist when it came to machining and repairing anything and everything. His passion for his craft started as a hard chrome machinist with Rutter Armey, Inc. in Fresno. Later, he worked for PG&E’s Hydro Division. Paul took a brief break from machine work to start his own landscaping business. He thoroughly enjoyed working outdoors in any type of weather and was a perfectionist. God’s soil, rocks, and greenery were his artist’s canvas. He always said that as hard as he tried, he could never make anything look as beautiful as what God had designed. Sadly, his landscaping career ended when his knees gave out (old soccer injury). Paul was forced to pick up his machinist’s tools and worked for NC Machinery in WA until he retired.

Paul was preceded in death by his father Byron, mother Frances, and brother David. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Kristy; daughter Lisa and son-in-law Duane; son Jonathan; granddaughter Nicole and grandson Travis. He is also survived by brother James and sister-in-law Barbara; sister Nancy and brother-in-law Leonard; uncle John; nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.

If there was an unexplored road, Paul took it. If there wasn’t a road, he made one. Now, he’s just begun an eternity of exploring heaven.

He loved to talk to anyone and everyone. Nobody was a stranger. His brain was packed full of funny anecdotes, endless facts, and minutia, which he loved to share. He spread joy and laughter wherever he went and was generous beyond measure.

But what really made him special was his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has now met the King of Kings and Lord of Lords face to face. What a blessed reunion awaits us!

In lieu of flowers, Paul would wish that a remembrance be made to a foundation that provides relief for families of injured or deceased veterans, such as Wounded Warrior Project, Gary Sinise Foundation, Homes for Our Troops, Tunnel to Towers, etc.

No service will be held. Paul’s wishes were that those of us who knew and loved him honor him by getting together, enjoying a great meal, and filling the room with laughter.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SchaeferShipmanFuneral.com for the Welton family.