Paul David Means

Paul David Means, 75, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus. The son of James Richard “Dick” and Freda (Speagle) Means and a life-long resident of Shelbyville, he was born April 11, 1939. On March 25, 1962, he married his wife of 52 years, Beverly Hall, and she survives. Paul is also survived by his son, Brett Means and wife, Tammy of Mishawaka; grandchildren, Lauren, Luke, LeAnn and Lynnea, all of Mishawaka; sisters-in-law, Shirley Means of Greensburg, Bonnie Hardesty and husband, Glen and Lynda Denton and husband, Charles, both of Shelbyville and Kaye Carlson and husband, Bryan, of Fort Wayne; brother-in-law, Robert Hall and wife, Mardell, of Granger; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Richard Kenneth “Kenny” Means. Paul attended Shelbyville High School and participated in a variety of sports, graduating in 1957. He then became employed with Chambers Aircraft Corporation working in the engineering department for eight years. In the late fifties he joined the Indiana National Guard and was active for six years. In December, 1964, he and Beverly purchased the former A & W Root Beer Drive-In which they renamed The Bear’s Den in 1979. They owned and operated the popular restaurant for 35 years, retiring in January of 2000. He enjoyed spending time with his buddies at The Waffle House and the road trips to Mishawaka to visit with Brett and his family. He spent a lot of time outdoors, taking much pride in his yard. His “to-do-list” included golfing, fishing and relaxing in front of the small screen watching sports. He was quite the fix it guy as he worked over his favorite bench out in his “man-garage”. Paul could be a character and loved to share stories of the past, exaggerated or not! Paul’s friends are invited to gather with his family from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2014 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. As well as, at the time of remembering moments of his life at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2014 at the funeral home. Paul will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville with private family graveside services. In memory of Paul, beautiful flowers would be a blessing . . . a contribution to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 E. 17th St., Columbus, Indiana 47201 or to the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 would be even more so.