CMSGT Glendal R. "Glenn" Shell (ret.) 80, of Paxton passed away at 5:13 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Private family funeral services will be held with Rev. John Hauck officiating. Entombment will follow in the Glen Cemetery Mausoleum, Paxton with military honors by Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Glenn was born February 13, 1940 in Shawneetown, Illinois the son of Sherman and Emma Eileen Sanders Shell. He married Phyllis E. Rieder September 19, 1976 in Arlington Heights. She preceded him in death October 20, 1986.

Glenn is survived by a daughter, Suzie Shell of Paxton, two sons Mark (Linda) Shell of Mahomet, Michael (Stephanie) Shell of Mocksville, NC; five grandchildren, David, Scott, Eric, Kylie, Skylar; four great grandchildren; one brother, Sherman Shell of Shawneetown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; and two brothers, Bill and Robert Shell.

Glenn spent his childhood in Shawneetown and graduated from Shawneetown High School in 1957. He served in the United States Navy for two years before serving 30 years in the United States Air Force achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his time in the Air Force he served in Vietnam and was stationed many places including Thailand, Germany, Florida, Washington D.C. San Antonio, Texas and Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul.

Glenn and his family moved to Paxton in 1981. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Paxton and Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150. He was awarded the title of Honorary Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky for his noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to his community, state and nation.

Glenn enjoyed gardening, growing peaches, tulips, Bassett Hounds, junk and car collecting and gospel music. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Memorials may be made to GAH Ambulance or the Paxton Fire Department. Please share your memories and condolences with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

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One of Chief Shell's legacies was established when the O' Club at Chanute was being renovated during the winter of 1989? One of the Evergreen trees died, and the base Commander was livid about that.  The Chief knew that a new Evergreen couldn't be planted during the frigid Winter. So he had Civil Engineering Roads & Ground spray paint the tree green, The Base Commander was not impressed.

On another occasion we fell out for a Civil Engineering Base Recall. The Chief showed up with tailored Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) short sleeves on his blouse, in direct violation of AFR 35-10. Civil Engineering Commander said his sleeves looked nice, but pointed out that even Chief's have to lead the troops by example.  He still had to re-purchase new blouses. Even Chief's can't bend the rules!

Don Calhoun, FAG contributor 47651407