Ponca City lost a beloved citizen, Paul Douglas Schatte, when he left this life to join His heavenly Father, on July 19, 2020. His life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020, at First Lutheran Church. He will lie in state from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2020. Family will be there between 5 and 7. There will be no viewing, but guests will be able to sign the register. Masks are not required but strongly encouraged. Those unable to attend the funeral may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome. Click on the “livestream” icon on the top right corner after 9:45 a.m.

Paul was born on July 22, 1957, in Houston, Texas, to Edwin A. and Elma (Knippa) Schatte. His childhood in Texas led him to be a lifelong Texas Longhorn Fan. He wore his Texas burnt orange t-shirt often and with pride.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska, where he met the love of his life, Shelly Davis. They married on July 7, 1979, in New Berlin, Illinois, and made their home in Ponca City where Paul spent the next 19 years as teacher and principal at First Lutheran. During that time, he also earned a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University. As a leader in Lutheran Education in Oklahoma, Paul started the annual track meet held at FLS for Oklahoma Lutheran Schools. He also served as the Oklahoma District Secretary of Education for Lutheran Schools.

Following his time at First Lutheran, Paul spent 15 years as an entrepreneur and small business owner. In addition to being co-owner of Head Country Food Products, he also owned Paul’s Food Products. He could often be found developing recipes and trying new ideas for food products.

Paul loved his Lord and Savior and enjoyed serving as an elder at First Lutheran. He was also a proud member of MIO, Made in Oklahoma. He enjoyed barbequing and cooking, and barbeque competitions and friends always enjoyed his fare. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. As a taxidermist and woodworker Paul turned out works of art for his customers and his home.

Paul lived a life of creativity, generosity, and gratitude. He loved his family and his land. He loved new challenges and strove for excellence in each of his new endeavors. He was particularly grateful for the blessings of life he found in his wife and sons and his beautiful young granddaughter.

Paul will be much missed by those who survive him, his beloved wife, Shelly, of the home; sons, Josh with his wife Santana and daughter Sutton, of Guthrie, OK; and Eric of Oklahoma City; his mother Elma; brother Mark and family, sisters Kathi and family and Barbara and family, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Pallbearers will be Josh Schatte, Eric Schatte, Mark Schatte, Jacob Olsson, Mike Neisen and Maurice Taglialatela.

Paul will be laid to rest in a private cemetery on his home place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Lutheran School, 1104 N. 4.th St., Ponca City, Ok 74601. Friends may leave memories at www.troutfuneralhome.com.

paid obituary