Paul Kent Shupe (SFC, retired) of Tulsa, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019 of natural causes at the age of 60.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Caitlin Baum of Lebanon, Missouri; step-daughters, Mecca (Steve) Grandle of Broken Arrow and Jenny (Mike) Lane of Tulsa; two grandchildren, Aiden Baum and Ashlin Baum of Lebanon, Missouri; his mother, Jacque Shupe of Tulsa; two brothers, Tom (Diane) Shupe of Grove and Mark (Julia) Shupe of Tulsa; half-brother, Neal (Velma) Shupe of Ft. Mohave, Arizona; nieces, Kirsten Shupe and Jill Shupe; and nephew, Kevin Shupe.

Paul is preceded in death by his father, Neal Shupe and his nephew, Ryan Shupe.

Paul was born in Oklahoma City on March 14, 1959 to Neal Warren Shupe and Jacqueline Oldham Shupe and raised in Tulsa. After graduating from Mason High School, Paul moved to California where he worked as a paramedic. A few years later, Paul returned to Tulsa and joined the United States Army Reserve in 1982. He worked in private security and investigations until 1986, when he transitioned to active duty with the United States Army.

Paul served all over the world with the United States Army, to include time spent in Germany, Kuwait, Bosnia, and Korea. He was an exemplary soldier and was often noted by his peers and command as "the best of the best".

In 2007, Paul retired from the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri as a Sergeant First Class and moved to California to work as an investigator for the Riverside County Public Defender's Office.

After several years in California, Paul returned to Tulsa and began working as an investigator for the Tulsa County Public Defender's Office. During this time, Paul also attended Tulsa University and received post-graduate certificates in legal studies and obtained his master's degree in legal studies from Drexel University.

Paul was a lover of all beings, but animals held a special place in his heart. He truly believed a dog was a man's best friend and he found a kindred spirit in his golden retriever, Ellie. Paul believed that the most wonderful thing a person can do for another is bring more positive and joyful energy into the universe. He always made sure there was happiness and laughter wherever he would go.

The family will hold a private service to honor and remember Paul, Friday, May 17. After his service, Paul will be put to rest at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood.