PAUL DAVID SHULTZ, JR.
Paul David Shultz, Jr., died July 20, 2025 at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, MO.
He was born the son of Paul and Virginia (Gunn) Shultz in St. Joseph on December 7, 1943.
David married the former Lee Ellen Seyb at the Newman Center at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO on March 29, 1969. She survives.
David was raised on his parent’s Black Angus cattle and Suffolk sheep farm near Rosendale, MO. After graduating from Andrew County High School and then attended University of Missouri where he obtained his degrees in Ag Economics and Animal Husbandry. He represented the University of Missouri on 3 livestock judging teams. He enjoyed all of the camaraderie with his Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity brothers during those 4 years and that extended all the way to the end. He was able to enjoy the 100th anniversary of the Alpha Gama Rho reception held in Columbia several years ago and reunited with many fraternity brothers.
Following graduation from the University of Missouri, he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the United State Marine Corps. He attended Officer Candidate School and the Basic School in Quantico, Virginia and Artillery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 2nd Lt. Shultz served in Vietnam and received numerous decorations; Purple Heart for wounds received in action against the enemy on October 6, 1966, in Vietnam. Presidential Unit Citation with ribbon bar awarded 3rd Marine Division, Vietnam 1965- 1967. National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Combat Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, and Pistol Sharpshooter Badge. He finished his tour in Vietnam and honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1967. He loved This Country.
The Shultz family farmed row crops and livestock in early years after returning home from Vietnam in Andrew County and later in Scotland and Clark counties. He mentored his children, grandchildren and several neighboring youth for almost 60 years. He was an active member of the National Farmers Organization (NFO) and worked hard with other farmers to fight for fair grain and livestock prices, Andrew County 4-H, North Andrew FFA, Boy Scouts of America (Rosendale, MO #213), and North Andrew County High School Sports were among his many activities during his youth.
David was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church (Memphis, MO), served on the Scotland County Consolidated Public Water Supply District board, and was a 4-H leader while his children were young. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, Retired Military Officers, American Legion.
He is proceeded in death by his parents; his older brother, Jack Gunn Shultz; a sister-in-law and his in-laws.
He is survived by his wife, Lee Ellen, of the farm at Lake View (Ashton, MO); daughter Tara Linn Shultz (Danny Priebe) of Gorin, MO; son, Trent Christian Shultz (Amy) of Rutledge, MO; sister, Joan Propes of Rosendale, MO; a brother in law; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were July 25 at the Boyer Event Center in Memphis. Burial, with full military honors was October 9 in Arlington National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Gerth Funeral Service in Memphis. First Lieutenant Paul David Shultz, Jr., United States Marien Corps, was laid to rest on October 9, 2025 at Arlington National Cemetery. David joins over 400,000 men and women who served this country. The pristine white stones march in columns on the 629 acres. Privates to Generals rest in peace in Arlington.
David’s military service on a sunny, wind still day was performed by six young Marines. They carried his casket in perfect cadence to his burial site. The flag laid atop his casket. A Sergeant Major presided over the service. The Navy Chaplain read scripture from the Bible giving a religious service, ending with a prayer.
Three volleys of rifle shots ran across the cemetery. The casings from the rounds placed in a black velvet bag and were given to David’s wife. The flag was folded and given to her. Taps echoed over the quiet, pristine resting place. He earned the honor to be among the military men and women he served with.
The United States Marine Corps celebrate 250 years on November 19, 2025.
