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Thomas Shetler Obituary
Thomas was a graduate of Memorial High School and graduated from St. Edwards University in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army following graduation and, after serving, returned to Evansville and joined his father in Shetler Moving & Storage Inc., and became Chairman and CEO in 1964. He was elected to the Board of Directors of Atlas Van Lines in 1972, serving as the Finance Chairman, and member of the Executive Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors of Atlas Canada for over 25 years. Tom was instrumental in taking Atlas Van Lines from the 6th largest moving company in the world to the 2nd largest — with sales nearing one billion dollars. He was active in the Republican Party, serving on the Knight Township Board of Trustees, Vanderburgh County Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Indiana State Board of Insurance, Campaign Chairman for Roger Zion's Election Committee in 1964, and was a Republican Precinct Committeeman. Tom was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Past President of Evansville Jaycees, and member of Jaycees' Old Timers, Board of Director of Evansville Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Indiana Movers Association, member of the Evansville Purple Aces Club, Downtown Quarterback Club, Kennel Club, and the Evansville Country Club. Tom and his wife enjoyed attending University of Evansville basketball games and following his grandchildren in their many sporting and other activities.
He is survived by daughters, Karen and husband Mark Wargel of Evansville; and Lisa and husband Richard Koch of Evansville; sons, Tom Jr. and wife Gail Shetler of Evansville; and Gary and wife Mary Ann Shetler of Evansville; brother, Robert O. and wife Candy Shetler of Evansville, Ind.; sisters, Suzanne Welborn; and Rebecca E. and husband Jerry Eckert, all of Evansville, Ind.; grandchildren, Becky Clark, Natalie Pickerill, Alisann Elpers; John, Martha, Mary and Thomas III Shetler; Elissa, Emily, and Andrew Shetler; Kyla, Katelyn, and Kelsey Wargel; Megan, Melanie and Morgan Koch; great-grandchildren, Emma, Anne, Maggie, and Lily Clark; James Elpers; and Christian Pickerill.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, in 2008, having been married for 55 years; his parents, Joseph and Martha Shetler; and brother, Joseph B. Shetler Jr.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2009, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714, and will continue on Monday, December 21, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1301 S. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Fathers Bernard Etienne and Alex Zenthoefer officiating.
Entombment will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions may be made to Angelman Syndrome Foundation, 4255 Westbrook Drive, Ste. 219, Aurora, IL 60504 or Evansville Interparochial Catholic High Schools, 520 S. Bennighof Ave., Evansville, IN 47714.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Shetler
Carol & Mike Harvey
January 4, 2010
Mike and I were sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I will always remember his laugh. Nor will I ever forget his Mom who made me feel so special and comfortable at our first Atlas Convention. Charolete was always such a joy. Your family has been blessed with many jewels. May they shine through you and continue the laughter. With sadness at your loss, we want his family to know that we were glad to have shared a small part of his life. Mike and Carol Harvey
Dewey Elmore
December 22, 2009
Dear Bob,
I was deeply saddened when learning of Tom's passing. He was a good and honorable man, as well as an excellent landlord on various occasions. My sincere condolences to you and the Shetler family.
December 22, 2009
Please know of our prayers for Tom and for all the family. I knew Tom from Heart Rehab. May God bless and console you all Sr. Barbara Lynn Schmitz, OSB, Ferdinand, IN
Jeff,Jenny & Drew Kniese
December 22, 2009
Dear Shetler Family, we are sorry to hear of your loss and will keep you in our prayers. We have many fond memories to rely on in this difficult time.
Audrey
December 21, 2009
Dear Shetler Family,
I am so glad that I have had the oppotunity to know and work for your family. All of you have been so good to me and you have the biggest hearts. I am so thankful for everything you and Tom have done for me over the years. He will be missed dearly.
With Much Love,
Audrey
B.J. Flittner & Family
December 20, 2009
Dear Shetler Familes,
It seems only a short while since we mourned your loss of Charlotte, and now, just as unexpectedly, we mourn the loss of Tom, Sr.
Not only was Tom, Sr. a devoted, life-long Evansville business, political and family man, but a recognized leader throughout the moving industry.
He was admired and respected by many, who now share in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness.
Tim Born
December 20, 2009
Dear Tom, Gary, Karen, Lisa and families,
So sorry to learn of your dad's passing. We are down in Dallas, celebrating Christmas early with Jason, and won't make visitation today or the funeral Mass tomorrow. You will all be in our prayers.
Tim, Brenda, Jason, Jennifer and Joshua Born
Mike Branch
December 20, 2009
Dear Bob & Shetler Family,
Its always difficult to say good bye to folks you remember in fond memories. I pray that the Shetler family will honor Tom's with joy and not scarred by his loss.
Forever,
Though we look with sadness
Through clouds
The sun is our shining hope
The memories reflected in the moon
Record your journey together
Past joys
It is in the future
That fates are sealed,
In God’s own hands
Night & day glow
In eternal love
Our dreams are there
This is but a pause
In your timeless being
Mike Branch, 12/20/09
Jeffrey Humm
December 19, 2009
Dear Shetler Cousins, I am your cousin who has written the history of the Humm and Shetler families and who is currently writing a 500 year history. I corresponded with Tom just last Monday as he graciously helped me update your family lineage. This news of his passing has shocked me to no end. Please accept my sympathy and heartfelt prayers of condolences. I will remember all of you at Holy Mass tomorrow. Your Cousin, Jeff Humm
Joe Wallace
December 19, 2009
Tom, Bob and family
Tom and Charlotte were very good friends of Joyce and I. We want to ask that God Bless you and all your family.
Joyce and Joe wallace Sarasota
Achille Biagi
December 19, 2009
Dear Tom,
I was very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your father. Our condolences to you, the family and your uncle Bob.
We will not be in town on Sunday or Monday and thus this short note.
I was always glad to see you all at lunch time over the years because it was a delight to banner with you. I think your father and I, being about the same age, shared a somewhat common sense of humour. We both understood one another and could easily trade comments on many subjects without rancor. I will miss him.
Keep the faith.
Arch
December 19, 2009
Dear Gary and Family,
You have our sympathy for the loss of your beloved dad, father-in-law, and grandpa.
Ironically, my mom died 7 years ago on the 16th.
Luckily your memories of him will always give you comfort.
The ACES have loss two loyal fans. Now they will be cheering together.
Love,
Mary Beth and Dean
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