Robert Roger Shelton Obituary's Obituary
Robert Roger Shelton son of Rogers J. Shelton and Iva Dorothy Shelton passed away peacefully with his family by his side, Monday September 2nd at the age of 91 at the Corydon Nursing and Rehabilitation center. Preceding him in death are his parents Rogers J. and Iva Dorothy Shelton of Okmulgee, Oklahoma and his sister Evelyn Morgan and husband James of Alice, Texas, niece Sharon Morgan Arnwine of Reklaw, Texas, and brother-in-law Bernard Rabbitt of Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Robert graduated from Okmulgee High School in Okmulgee, Oklahoma in 1941, and decided to join the U.S Air force after graduation. Robert served 5 years, and achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant serving 3 years over-seas, primarily in the European Theater for the 2nd Fighter Squadron 22nd Fighter Group of the 15th Air Force. Upon return from the service Robert went to work for Montgomery Ward as a manager of the men's clothing department and soon after was married to Ancil 'Ann' Phillips on August 23rd 1947. He then went to work at Phillips Petroleum Refinery in Okmulgee. At Ann's urging he decided to enroll in college, first at Okmulgee A&M Tech and then moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma where he received his bachelors degree in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma A&M in 1952. Robert later went on to receive his Master's degree in 1972, using his summer vacation to go back to graduate school at Oklahoma State. With a shortage of teaching positions, Robert and Ann moved to Yarmouth, IA where he taught Vocational Agriculture for the Yarmouth Mount Union School District. Robert had a passion for teaching and found his true calling in being an educator. He took his lessons outside the classroom when he formed a local Future Farmers of America Chapter. Robert moved his family to Corydon, IA in 1958 having the desire to move to a larger school district, he and his family lived on State Street before building a house on a 32 acre farm just south of town and carving out his own little place on this earth to call home, fulfilling his desire to work the land, raise Angus cattle and a place for his FFA students to raise their sheep projects. He retired from teaching in 1984. Robert remained in great health allowing him to stay active on the farm, as well as other outside organizations. He was a life member of Corydon Lodge #91 AF&AM, and National Vocational Agricultural Teacher's Association, and a member of the Eastern Star Chapter #355, serving as Marshal for seventeen years and Worthy Patron for one year. Robert and Ann had two children Patricia Ann and Robert R Shelton Jr., who both graduated from Corydon, Pat from Cambria-Corydon, and Robert Jr. from Wayne. He served many enjoyable years with Ann on the Wayne County Fair Board and held several offices including Secretary, Vice President and President. Both Robert and Ann were active in the United Methodist Church, raising their children there and Ann serving as chairman of the board of trustees while Robert served on several church boards including Pastor Parish Relations, Administrator and also served as head usher of the church for several years. He volunteered his services as a general handyman for several years until 2010 when he retired. He was a talented man who was known as the guy who could 'fix most anything' and completed many major projects including the remodeling of the church sanctuary and church kitchen. When Robert had time he and the family enjoyed traveling to Oklahoma for family reunions and to visit friends and also traveling to his Air Force reunions and reacquainting with old members of his Air Force Squadron. Robert also enjoyed his hunting dogs, which he brought along with his son and grandsons when hunting for pheasant, quail, and the occasional rabbit or squirrel. He was also fond of taking the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids fishing at the pond on their farm. He enjoyed working in his shop, welding, and inventing things he needed on the farm. Both Robert and Ann were pleased and honored to be chosen as Old Settler's of the year in 2011. Surviving are his wife, Ann, of the home, daughter Pat (Lee) Hardin, of Houston, Texas, son Robert Shelton Jr. (Janice) of Indianola, sister Marilyn Rabbit of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, his grandchildren Lynn Hardin Berzins, Andrew Hardin (Jennifer), Jonathan Shelton, Lori Shelton Troyer (Adam) and great grandchildren, Christina Sampson Berzins, Rebecca Sampson Berzins, Kari Berzins, Kathryn Hardin, Alison Hardin, Brooke Troyer, Jake Troyer, and a host of family and friends. Book Travel to Services To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert Roger Shelton Obituary please visit our Sympathy Store.
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