Robert Charles Shier

Robert Charles Shier, born on March 2, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Ivan Carlyle Shier and Thelma May (Coverdale) Shier. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, known for his steady presence, quiet strength, and love of family.

Bob spent his childhood in Valley Center, Michigan, where his family owned and operated a general store and gas station. The Shiers lived in the apartment above the store, and Bob attended Maple Valley School, a one-room schoolhouse where he was part of the final graduating 8th-grade class. He later completed his high school education at Brown City Schools, graduating in 1959.

In 1962, the Shier family moved to Yale, Michigan, where Bob helped run the family business, Shier's Sundries. It was in this very store that he met the love of his life, Sharon Lee (Collins), when she came in with her niece and nephews. After a year of courtship, Bob and Sharon married on April 16, 1966, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with devotion, hard work, and love. Together, they raised three children: Lisa Kay Naveen, Christi Lee Shier (Bill), and Scott Robert Shier (LaDonna).

Always committed to providing for his family, Bob took a welding course at St. Clair County Community College. In 1973, he moved his growing family to Covina, California, where he worked maintenance jobs at a carpet mill and for the Covina Public School District. After 2½ years, they returned to Michigan, settling again in Yale, where Bob and Sharon owned and operated a hardware store for a few years.

Bob later worked as a skilled machinist at several companies, including Bitner Brothers Tool Company, Mid-Michigan Tool, Huron Manufacturing, JetAv Industries, and finally ACR Industries/Triumph, from which he retired in 2008. He was admired by colleagues for his work ethic, precision, and dependability.

Bob and Sharon were active in many community organizations throughout their lives. They were members of a local dance club and a long-running card club, where they built lifelong friendships. Bob was also a proud member of the Yale Car Club, where his beautifully restored 1956 Ford earned him multiple trophies and much admiration. Their shared passion for community extended to the Yale First Presbyterian Church, where Bob served faithfully as a member of the session, sang in the church choir, bowled on the church's bowling team, and participated in a special men's choir called the Presbyterian Men Singers (PMSers).

After Sharon's passing in 2007, Bob found comfort in the company of his children and grandchildren. He spent his retirement years in Yale, first at the trailer park and later at the Schoolhouse Apartments. He enjoyed quiet hobbies like completing puzzles and cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren: Elizabeth Lee Hubbard, Nicholas Cecil Hubbard, and Andrew William Hubbard. He also welcomed many exchange students into his family over the years, treating each like one of his own, and maintained strong connections with his many nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by his brother, John Wesley Shier, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Kathrine (Henry) Franz, Shirley (John) McLarty, Richard (Jean) Collins, and Donna (Richard) Bearden. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Marilyn Shier.

Bob's life was defined by his unwavering commitment to family, his strong moral compass, and his quiet contributions to every community he was a part of. When asked what piece of wisdom he could offer to the world, he said, "Do the best you can with what you've got." He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family honors the memory of Robert and invites you to visit and share memories Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Yale. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday with 10:00 a.m. visiting. Pastor Chris Wolf will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Yale.

Memorials are suggested to "Wishes of the Family".

For more information and tribute wall visit: kaatzfunerals.com