MIDDLEBURY — Paul Kenneth DeShone, 29, died from natural causes on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, at his Middlebury home with caregiving staff at his side.

He was born July 9, 1989.

He is survived by his mother, Jeane (Randy) Metcalfe of Osceola; father Terrence DeShone of Elkhart; and his twin sister, Eleanor DeShone of Pittsburgh.

Paul was a nonverbal man with severe autism.

Though he could not speak, he had a remarkable ability to communicate through his actions.

He was known for delighting family and caregivers with his surprising sense of humor.

Paul was part of the MDC Goldenrod community for more than 10 years.

He attended Memorial High School (Class of 2008) and ADEC Day Programs in Elkhart and Middlebury.

Paul was almost always seen bending and twirling plastic drinking straws.

He especially loved being in or near water, including swimming pools, bath tubs, sinks and turtle or fish tanks.

He also loved listening to music.

People will remember Paul's desire for coffee and sodas.

Caregivers quickly learned to either protect their beverages from wandering hands or share.

Paul's family thanks the wonderful people who helped him live a safe and happy life, including teachers, family, friends, medical personnel, outstanding caregivers from ADEC, MDC Goldenrod and Mosaic, and a very kind, patient hairdresser.

Cremation will take place immediately and a memorial to celebrate Paul's life will be at noon Saturday, Jan. 26, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart.

Memorials in Paul's honor may be given online by logging onto adecinc.com/donate or goldenrodcommunities.org/donate.