Harold "Paul" Shingledecker

Paul Shingledecker, 77, Marion, received his eternal reward when he passed away at 8:40 pm on Sunday, July 21, 2024. He was born in Bujumbura, Burundi, Africa, on Saturday, November 2, 1946, to Harold and Hettie (Frost) Shingledecker. He is survived by his loving bride and helpmate, Pat (Patsy) Danklefs. They were married on September 2, 1966.

Paul graduated from Houghton Academy (New York) and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Asbury College (Wilmore, KY), a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary (Wilmore, KY), and a Master of Arts in Telecommunications from Indiana University (Bloomington, IN). He was ordained as an elder in the Free Methodist Church and served by special appointment to World Gospel Mission (WGM).

Paul and Pat served as missionaries with WGM from 1973 until their retirement in 2013. They served for three years in the country of Paul’s birth, Burundi, Africa, where he worked in radio program production and design. After political unrest in Burundi forced them out of the country, they were reassigned to Haiti where he spent the remainder of his career working with the Haitian radio network, Radio Lumière, in administration and engineering. In 2003, Paul and Pat moved to Marion, IN, to work with WGM at its headquarters for the last 10 years before retirement. Paul served as a regional director for six years and with their IT department until he passed.

Paul’s driving force for his life is best stated in his life verse, Romans 10:14:

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Rooted in his obedience to God, his passion was sharing the gospel of Christ with everyone who came into his life. The legacy he leaves his family and friends is one of faith and the strength found in God alone. 

In addition to Pat, his wife of almost 58 years, Paul is survived by his three daughters: Laura (and Bert) Walther of Wilmore, KY and their two daughters, Beth Walther and Becca (and Daniel) Devita; Linda (and Josef) Gafranek of Lexington, KY and their two daughters, Rachael (and Austin) Whitson and Sara Jo Gafranek; and Lisa (and Kevin) Fritts of Washington, D.C. and her four children, Violet Powell, Zach Powell, Quin Powell, and Teresa (and Jacob) Bame. He also is survived by his siblings: Faith Shingledecker of Wilmore, KY; Ken (and Connie) Shingledecker of Holland, MI; and Lois (and David) Scroggins of Hallsville, TX; adopted son, Thomas L. Dugue; and adopted daughter, Mickey Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hettie Shingledecker.

Burial will take place at Wilmore Cemetery in Wilmore, KY on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, after a 10:00 am visitation and 11:00 am service at Wilmore Free Methodist Church, 1200 Lexington Rd., Wilmore, KY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s name to https://wgm.org/give.

Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

Local arrangements in Wilmore are being cared for by Betts & West Funeral Home.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com or www.BettsAndWestFuneralHome.com