Paul Dewayne Shonkwiler

Paul Dewayne Shonkwiler, 83, of Decatur, IL, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026, in his home, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Visitation will be Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial with military rites will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to Elwin United Methodist Church or Veterans Assistance Commission of Macon County, Inc.

Paul Dewayne was born August 3, 1942, in Bement, IL, the son of Ernest Edgar Sr. and Adelia (Perkins) Shonkwiler. He grew up in Bement and graduated from Bement High School. Paul Dewayne was a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He married Janice Kay Eversole on June 6, 1970, and they were blessed with three children, Tami, Chris and Cathy. Paul Dewayne worked at Caterpillar in Decatur, IL for 35 years, retiring in 2008. He had a love of country music, going to the beach, and camping. He was a fun-loving guy, always with a smile and enjoyed time spent with family and friends. Paul Dewayne was a member of the Elwin United Methodist Church, the Bement Masonic Lodge #365 AF&AM, and was a 32nd Degree Mason.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; children, Tami Ray (Dennis) of Neoga, IL, Chris Shonkwiler (Cassie Leigh) of Monticello, IL, and Cathy Flynn (Christopher) of Cape Cod, MA; and six grandchildren, Gavin Ray, Brayden Ray, Aubrey Flynn, Clara Flynn, Chyra Benner (Samuel) and Loryn Shonkwiler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Ernest “Deak” Shonkwiler, Jr.

The family would like to thank Synergy HomeCare, Elara Caring and VA Caregivers.