SHEDD, Paul

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ August 9, 2007 Paul Shedd died Aug. 3, 2007, in Safford after a long illness. He was born April 18, 1931, in Cambridge, Neb., the only child of Donnie Snell and Jesse E. Shedd. He grew up in Scottsbluff, Neb., where he excelled in high school football, basketball and track. He graduated from the University of Nebraska majoring in business and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He remained a huge fan of the "Big Red" Nebraska football team. Paul served as Safford mayor and city council member. He attended officer training school in Ft. Benning, Ga., and served as First Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Caroline Rothenberger, when they were seniors at college on Dec. 29, 1953, in Beatrice, Neb. They had two wonderful sons, Steve and Mike, and after 54 years of marriage, now have six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom were adored by Paul. After his career in the Army, Paul went through the executive training program for Valley National Bank of Phoenix. They moved to Safford in 1961 where Paul was later named manager of the Safford Valley branch. He and Caroline bought the Modern Dress Shop on Main Street in Safford. They enjoyed 25 years of customer relationships and trips to Markets. His other business venture was as part owner of Anderson Aviation and Piper Dealership at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Paul was a pilot and loved to fly. His other hobbies included golf, fishing, painting and building and flying model airplanes. He was a longtime community activist and served the city and others in many ways. He was elected mayor of Safford and served on the city council for eight years. He was past president of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, Safford Board of Education, Kiwanis Club, Gila Valley Arts Council, the Safford Little League and past member of the Rotary Club. He also served as captain of the Sheriff's Posse. His favorite project was building the first Little League Park on 10th Street behind Lafe Nelson School and running the Little League program. He was past president of Mount Graham Golf Course and past president of the Pinetop Country Club, where he and Caroline have a summer home. Paul was active in All Saints Episcopal Church serving on the vestry and as senior warden. Paul is survived by his wife, Caroline of Safford; son Dr. Steven Shedd of Phoenix; and his grandchildren Bobby, Tonya, Amanda, Michael, Jesse, Zachary and Logan Shedd; six great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Jim Kirschbaum; and four nieces and their families. His beloved son, Michael, and his parents preceded him in death. Paul was truly a loving and giving person and remained so until the end. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Safford. Online condolencecs may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel of Safford.