Thomas Sheldon

WAPAKONETA -- Thomas R. "Rob" Sheldon, age 53, of Wapakoneta passed away Monday, March 25, 2024 at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born April 18, 1970 in Lima to Thomas L. and Geraldine "Gerry" (Alloway) Sheldon. His mother, Gerry Sheldon Wildermuth survives in Wapakoneta.

Rob was a graduate of Shawnee High School in the class of 1988. He was a Crew Chief for Sheldon Engineering & Surveying during high school and continued to help with the family business over the years. In 1991 he graduated the Police Acadamy and began his service at the Ft. Shawnee Police Department. He also served as a member of the American Township Police Department, the Department of the Army Police, the Ada Police Department, the Hardin County Crime Task Force, and was a Park Ranger for 16 years with the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. He also enjoyed being a seasonal worker with the Michigan DNR in Newberry. He loved being a part of the communities where he served and was always ready to help others whenever needed. He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

Rob loved hosting get-togethers, big and small, at the cabin. He will be remembered for his colorful storytelling, his wonderful cooking and his ability to direct the many "helpers" he recruited to assist in all the prep. He didn't know a stranger and thought it was just as easy to entertain and feed 100 as 10.

He deeply enjoyed being outdoors exploring, camping, fishing, canoeing and snowmobiling. He cherished the many wonderful memories made on travels to Michigan and Ontario, Canada with family and friends since early childhood. A bit of his heart was always "Up North". He was a map buff and an avid reader, especially of military and Great Lakes history and lore. Rob always had some random factoid to share about nature, history or folklore.

He loved being an uncle and cherished spending time with family near and far. Rob was also blessed with many wonderful lifelong friends who he loved dearly and were especially supportive during his illness the past several years. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family. His passing has left a void in our hearts, that we pray, may not be filled with grief, but the many memories of better times, laughs, adventures and a life well-loved.

Rob is additionally survived by his sister Sara (Ryan) Morrisey of Lima; nephew Alexander Morrisey; niece Katherine Morrisey; uncles James D. (Marivic) Sheldon of Lima and Francis "Ed" (Donna) Alloway of Westerville; a step-brother Michael (Rosa) Wildermuth of Jackson Center and numerous cousins.

Rob was also preceded in death by grandparents Robert C. (Grace) Sheldon and Homer E. (Mary) Alloway; uncle Robert C.(Betty) Sheldon; aunt Shirley S. (Fred) Davis; and stepfather Herman A. Wildermuth.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 19th at St. Matthew Lutheran Church near Cridersville, Pastor Samuel Payne officiating. Burial will follow in St. Matthew Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18th at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. A Police Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral Home. Friends may also call from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at St. Matthew.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, A Tree to Remember or to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at BayliffAndSon.com.