Robert Ayres Schelling

Captain Robert Ayres SCHELLING U.S.N., Ret. Bob Schelling was born May 23, 1917 in Norfolk, Virginia to John M. Schelling and Zelda M. Ayres. He died on February 14, 2003 in Seattle, WA from Lymphoma. Bob graduated from Balboa High School, Canal Zone and the Naval Academy Class of 1938. He later returned to Annapolis to receive his Master's degree in Electronics Engineering. His distinguished military career began on the battleship IDAHO, and continued with the destroyers: BUCHANAN, REUBEN JAMES, and NICHOLSON. He served as executive officer of the Thorn and commanded the STEVENS and LYMAN K.SWENSON. His later commands included DE CORTRON 11, Fleet Training Group Western Pacific, repair ship AJAX, Destroyer Squadron 23, and Naval ROTC Unit University of Washington. His final tour of duty was Chief of Staff, Hawaiian Sea Frontier/Fourteenth Naval District at Pearl Harbor from which he retired in 1968. Bob received the Silver Star, the Navy Commendation Medal with bronze "V", and the Navy Unit Commendation. After his military career, Bob and Mary Anne settled in Seattle, Washington. From 1969 to 1981 Bob was Port Captain/Port Engineer for the University of Washington's Department of Oceanography. He held a Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer license as Master of Ocean Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons, and sailed as Master on two scientific voyages across the Pacific to Japan. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Anne Schelling, their daughters Patricia Anne (husband Gregory) Smith of Gainsville, FL. and Pamela (wife Gary) Holder of Pueblo, CO. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Deborah (husband Bowie) Bailey of No. Lauderdale, FL., Patrick (wife Terri) Smith and their son Riley Smith of Ocala, FL., Rebecca Holder and Samuel J. Holder both of Pueblo, CO.; Bob's brother Dr. Thomas (wife Alice) Schelling of Bethesda, MD. and Bob's sister Nancy Dorfman of Belmont, MA. Burial with full military honors will be held 2 p.m. Fri., March 7, 2003 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 S.E. 240th St., Kent, WA. 98042. A Memorial Service will follow at 2 p.m. on Sat., March 8 at St. Steven Episcopal Church, 4805 N.E. 45th St., Seattle, WA. 98105. Arrangements by Evergreen-Washelli, 206-362-5200.