Paul David Newcomb, son of James Joseph and Margaret (Priebe) Newcomb was born on July 26, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan. He passed away on January 9, 2015, at the age of 71, at the Shenandoah Medical Center Emergency Room following an accident at his home in Shenandoah.

Growing up, Paul's early life was spent in East Detroit. He received his education from the Detroit Public School System, graduating from East Detroit High School with the Class of 1961. Following high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Army on July 28, 1961 and served until receiving his Honorable Discharge on May 23, 1964.

Upon his return to Detroit from the Army, Paul worked for the Chrysler Corp. for a period of time. He later moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked for the Wilson Packing Plant. It was after working at Wilson's that he began his career as a Prison Guard. He worked many years in the Iowa Prison System, starting at the prison in Anamosa and later transferred to the Clarinda Correctional Facility. Following his retirement from being a prison guard, Paul went to work at the Eaton Corp. in Shenandoah before "officially retiring" after five years.

On December 30, 1999, Paul was united in marriage to Barbara (Brown) Shaw in Shenandoah. They made their home in rural Shenandoah until health problems forced them to move into town.

Paul was an avid reader, always having two to three books at a time, being read. He also loved word puzzles and playing cards.

Preceding Paul in death were his parents. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 15 years, Barbara Shaw-Newcomb of the home; a daughter, Gwen of East Berne, NY; a son, Paul, Jr., of Cedar Rapids, IA; and a daughter, Mona, of Winterhaven, FL; seven grandchildren, including Anthony P. Newcomb, Adam D. Newcomb and Aaron L. Newcomb; one great grandchild; three brothers, John, James and Edward Newcomb; a sister, Margaret Johnson; other relatives and a host of friends.

As per his wishes, Paul was cremated and private inurnment was held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah with military rites accorded by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88.