Paul Edwin Shaver, age 78, of Gurdon, passed from this life on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Amberwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Benton.  He was born July 23, 1947, in Gurdon, the son of the late Otha Jackson and Kathleen McGuigan Shaver.  Paul was a 1965 graduate of Gurdon High School and held a master's degree from Henderson State University.  He was a retired professor of English and speech at Southern Arkansas University.  Paul was a member of First United Methodist Church at Prescott.  He enjoyed listening to music and playing the organ and piano in his free time.

Paul is survived by his sister, Brenda Steed (Rick) of Bryant, three nieces, Lori Brower (Michael) of Benton, Kelli Brown (Matt) of Alexander and Jodi Coplen (Micky) of Gurdon, four great nephews, Brady Bower, Blake Bower, Briggs Brown and Max Curry and one great niece, Berkley Brown.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Brown Cemetery at Beirne with Bro. Donnie Deaton officiating.

No visitation is planned.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-9959.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.