Robert “Bob” Eugene Shelton, 94, of New Market passed away at home and joined his heavenly Father on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020.
Robert was born June 29, 1926, to Roy and Letha (Hayes) Shelton in Crawfordsville. After his parents’ untimely deaths he was raised by his aunt and uncle, John and Gertrude Harris in New Ross. Robert enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 1944, and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. In 1950, he re-enlisted in the USMC to serve in the Korean War in Korea and Japan.
After returning to the United States, Robert married Janet Diann Hultz on Sept. 15, 1955. He farmed locally, and raised four children. In 1972, Robert and his family met the Lord and sold all their worldly possessions to serve as Christian missionaries in Central America. They attended Bible school in Puerto Rico, before moving to Costa Rica in 1975 for Spanish language school. Robert spent 33 years spreading God’s love and gospel. He was an active member of Woodland Heights Christian Church and Youngs Chapel, and continued to participate in mission trips and church activities until his passing.
Robert had a passion for farming, and was a proud grain bin operator for his son at S&K Shelton Farms. He had his private pilot’s license, and enjoyed flying his Cessna 172 in his younger days. Robert was an avid woodworker, making wooden crosses for more than a thousand people and church communities.
Survivors include: Robert’s children, Jonathan “Hal” (Sharon) Shelton of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Samuel (Kathryn) Shelton of Crawfordsville, Roberta (Don) Stewart of Crawfordsville and Sarah “Sally” (Andres) Rodriguez of Freeport, New York; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, aunt, uncle and sister Margaret Shelton Hybarger.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Woodland Heights Christian Church, 468 Woodland Heights Drive, Crawfordsville. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church, officiated by Pastor Steve Wilke. Burial will take place at Mace Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Woodland Heights Christian Church or American Cancer Society.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
