Paul E. Shellhammer, Age 91, of Champion, formerly of Chesterland, passed away at his home on Monday, April 9, 2018. Paul was born on Buckeye St. in Warren, Ohio on December 18, 1926, to Elsie Darbaker and Charles Guy Shellhammer. As a lad, he attended Dickey Ave. School and later graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1945. Paul graduated from Youngstown College in 1948, later receiving his Master of Music Education from Vander Cook College of Music in 1962. He joined the US Army, serving his country in Korea during the Korean War.
Paul’s love of music and belief that every child was full of potential, led to a long and rewarding career teaching all phases of music in the West Geauga School system. After retiring he worked for Junction Auto Sales in Chardon, for 37 years.
Paul was an active Mason as a member of Village Lodge #274, in Burton, OH. He was well known for his musical abilities on the organ, playing for many lodges in the NE Ohio area. Paul also was made an honorary member of Western Phoenix #042, Newton Falls Lodge #462, Willoughby Lodge #302, and Forest City Lodge #388. He was also a member of the Valley of Cleveland, Scottish Rite and Willoughby Chapter #202, Order of the Eastern Star. He had served as Past Master of Chardon Lodge #93 (now with Village Lodge), and he also served as a District Education Officer of the 25th Masonic District.
Paul will be sadly missed by his wife of 27 years, Katherine Graycar; stepchildren Kathie (John) Molnar, Judy (the late Ed) Wooley and Larry (Shelly) Graycar; grandchildren Kelly Wills, Brian Molnar, Chris Wooley, and Joe Wooley; 3 great grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Powell Shellhammer, whom he married in 1948; sister Alice Ripple and brother Eugene Shellhammer.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 12, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a Masonic and Funeral Service at 8:00 p.m. at the Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, OH. Interment will be at Pineview Memorial Park, 4049 Youngstown Rd, Warren, OH 44484, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 13, 2018. Donations are suggested to the Harbor Light Hospice, 4531 Belmont Ave., Unit 7, Youngstown, OH 44505. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.