Paul Shawan

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Paul Edward Shawan, 82, of Poplar Bluff passed away Saturday, July 13, 2013, at his home.

He was born Nov. 18, 1930, in Cape Girardeau, to Charles and Myrtle Westover Shawan. Paul married Elizabeth Harris on Sept. 10, 1955, in Illmo. They had one son, Jeff Shawan of Poplar Bluff.

Shawan worked many years as an architect for Jablonsky and Associates, later developing Woodstone and Shadowbrook in Poplar Bluff with his partner Joy Henthorne. A longtime member of First Baptist Church, he served as deacon, chairman of deacons, personnel chairman and numerous other service positions.

A talented artist and wood craftsman, he most loved woodcarving. Paul served as a trustee on the board of Missouri Baptist University. Over many years, he served on numerous city boards and especially enjoyed the Margaret Harwell Art Museum Board.

He served his country in the Navy Reserve.

Survivors include wife Liz; son Jeff and his wife Christy Montgomery Shawan of Poplar Bluff; two granddaughters, Laura Cassity and husband Jason of Goddard, Kan., and Christina Lynn Shawan of Poplar Bluff; and two great-grandchildren, Keith and Faith Cassity.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Carl Shawan; and a sister, Mabel Shawan Adams.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff.

Paul's "going home celebration" will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, with Dr. William Vail, Jim Freedman, Mark Richardson and Mike Harris officiating. Interment will be in City Cemetery with full military honors.

Donations may be made in honor of Mr. Shawan to UCAN, 1418 Maud St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 or to United Gospel Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 924, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.