Paul Shelton Owensby, 93, passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

Paul was born on March 11, 1924 in Pittsburg, Kansas. Better known as Papa, he spent most of his life in Linden as a father, grandfather, businessman and servant to the community.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Young Owensby; two daughters, Suzanne Owesnby Echols (Wynne) and Laurie Owensby Young; grandchildren, Jennifer Pruett (Eddie), Carter Echols (Tiffany), Katie Windham (Corey), Patrick Young (Suzanne), Paul Young (Kasie), and Laura Beth Glass (Elliott); and nine great-grandchildren, Owen and Brad Pruett, Oscar and Aleah Echols, Brady and Alex Windham, Alice and Shelton Young, and Allie Claire Smitherman.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Nell Carter Owensby; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Oscar Monroe Owensby; and siblings, Anna Marie McCord, Robert Owensby, Carroll Owensby, Lindell Owensby, and David Owensby.

Paul graduated from Manhattan High School in Manhattan, Kansas in 1942. He joined the US Navy in 1944 and served as a Communication Specialist in World War II. He owned Linden Lock Plant before owning and operating IGA Foodliner now known as Papa’s Foods for over 45 years. Paul retired from the grocery business in 1998.

Paul enjoyed the outdoors, travel, and reading. He spent his spare time on the family farm, at the beach, or reading Westerns. Paul was an active member of the Linden United Methodist Church and received the Harry Denman Award for his laity work in the church. He was also a member of the Linden Rotary Club where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow.

A celebration of his life was held at the Linden United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 23, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Tony Antonelli officiating. Burial was at Linden Memorial Park in Linden.

Active Pallbearers were: Carter Shelton Echols, Eddie Wilsey Pruett, James Cory Windham,Toulmin Patrick Young, Jr., Paul Warren Young, and Elliott William Glass, III. Honorary Pallbearers were: Members of The Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class at Linden United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Linden United Methodist Church. Condolences may be offered at www.obryantchapelfh.com. Arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home in Linden.