Paul R. Shelby

Paul R. Shelby,  87, of Eastport, MI passed away on March 15, 2024 at Culver Meadows Senior Living in Traverse City.

   Paul was born on August 27, 1936 in Detroit, the son of Gilbert and Katherine (Dixon) Shelby.

   He lived in Bowie, Maryland where he taught American History and Government at Belair Junior High School and Bowie Senior High School from 1963 to 1977.  He became an attorney after graduating  from the University of Baltimore Law School in 1976.  He was a member of the Prince George's County Board of Education as well as the Maryland State Board of Education where at one time he served as President.   

   His family started summering on Torch Lake when he was two years old. From his early years, he never missed a summer at his family’s cottage where he and his wife, Martha, would eventually retire. He enjoyed the outdoors of northern Michigan, especially sailing, golfing, skiing and traveling. Once retiring from his law practice, he became a ski instructor at Schuss Mountain in Mancelona and was a proud member of the 70+ Ski Club at Nubs Nob Ski Resort. He lived life to the fullest and embraced every opportunity to try something new.

   Surviving are two children, Jill (Thomas) Assicurato of Clarendon Hills, IL, Matthew (Kathryn) Shelby of Holly Springs, NC, four grandchildren, Dean and Grace Assicurato and William and Alexander Shelby.

   Preceding him in death were his wife, Martha (Langley) Shelby and his parents.

   A celebration of life will take place later this summer on their beach with a burial in Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Township, where he and Martha will be interred together.

   Details of services will be announced once the plans have been finalized.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Help From My Friends Pet Crisis Center, 3605 S. Derenzy Rd., Bellaire, MI,  49615.

   Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

   Online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.