Paul was born in New London, Conn., on Nov. 7, 1919 and passed away in Coupeville, Wash., on March 5 at the age of 97. He was the second of two children born to Anton and Sophie Shemet.
An outstanding basketball player in high school, he also played semi-professional basketball for the Electric Boat Company in New London. He graduated as a Master Aircraft Mechanic from the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in 1941.
Paul was drafted in 1942 and proudly served his country in the Air Transport Command of the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, ultimately earning the rank of Master Sergeant.
He was selected to serve as flight engineer on a B-17 for General Ralph H. Wooten, commander for the South Atlantic Theater of Operations, and flew many places in England, France, Italy, Africa and South America. He received several commendations including the Air Medal for meritorious achievement for participating in many successful flights over enemy territory.
After being honorably discharged in 1945, he met his true love, LaVerne. They married in 1947 and began a lifelong journey together, lasting more than seventy years, and raised three children.
Paul continued in the field of aviation, with a long and rewarding career with the Boeing Company. He worked on different projects all over the country, as well as in the Seattle area, receiving many awards including those as supervisor of 747 construction elements.
In 1968, the family moved to Whidbey Island. In 1982, Paul retired after 32 years with Boeing.
In his passing, Paul is survived by his loving wife LaVerne; his son Paul Jr. of Pasadena, Calif., his wife Bonnie and their children, Brent of Pasadena, and Michelle Carlen of Santa Barbara, Calif.; son Daniel of Snohomish, Wash., and his wife Lina; daughter Amy McCaffrey of Windsor, Calif., and her husband Tom; and many nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill.
Paul was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He will truly be missed by all who knew him, especially his loving wife and children.
A private burial will take place on March 19 in Bayview, Wash. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in Paul’s name to the charity of your choice.
