Stanley "Stan" R. Eshelman, age 95 years, passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, Clinton, MO.
Stanley was born in Bigler, Pennsylvania, on May 11, 1920, the third of six sons and one daughter born to Stella (Fulton) and Ross B. Eshelman. Upon graduation from Clearfield High School in 1937 he went to work in the report department of National Credit in Pittsburgh, then worked as bookkeeper/shipping clerk at Williamsgrove brickyard in Bigler. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in January 1942, serving until November 1945 when he was discharged as Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, qualified as bombardier, navigator, and armorer.
Between high school graduation and enlistment, Stan met Gladys Mae Anderson of Vandergift, Pennsylvania, when she was visiting college friends in Bigler. Thus began a courtship which continued through correspondence after Stan's induction. Stan and Gladys were married on June 2, 1945,in San Antonio, Texas, while Stan was still on active duty.
After military service, Stan went to work for Clearfield Cheese Company in Curwensville, Pennsylvania. In 1948 he moved to Clinton to help establish the Clinton Clearfield Cheese Plant, where he served as Office Manager until he retired in 1983.
Stan was a United Way campaigner, promoter of equal employment opportunity and civil rights, volunteer for the Samaritan Center, Docent at the Henry County Museum, 20+ gallon donor to the Red Cross, Clinton City Collector, and was actively involved in many other civic and charitable organizations and campaigns. He and Gladys were longtime members of the Clinton United Methodist Church where they served in a variety of ways.
Stan enjoyed gardening, bowling, square dancing, golf, and bridge. In his later years he exercised daily, played golf regularly, and remained active in the community service until he moved to Jefferson Gardens assisted living in November, 2013. While there, he enjoyed outings with friends and family, playing bridge, good food, and daily banter with the staff. He faced challenges to his health with grace and determination. He will be remembered most for his wry wit, good nature, and generosity.
In addition to Gladys, his wife of 58 years, he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother James and sister Mary Jane who died as young children, and by brothers, Raymond and Robert. He is survived by his children Ross E. (Peggy), James A. (Rebecca) Eshelman, Jane M. (Mark) Kaly, and Rosemary L.(Matthew) Jones; grandchildren Stan (Kristin) and Mark (Cristina)Eshelman, Laura, Emily, and Amanda Eshelman, Pricilla, Charley, and Lydia Jones; great-grandchildren Delila, Phoebe, Jacquelyn, Nicholas, and Zelena; two brothers, Alfred (Jeanne) and Tom (Verna Clare, dec); and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Jo Ann Lindsey, with whom he shared a loving commitment during the last decade of his life.
Services were held December 29, 2015 at Clinton United Methodist Church, with Rev. Brad Reed and Rev. Peggy Eshelman officiating. Music included "Morning Has Broken", "Hymn of Promise", and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" with "The Entertainer" as the recessional. Musicians were Sam Lucas and David Cummings. Casket bearers were Stan Eshelman, Mark Eshelman, Chuck Peterson, Dr. Gus Wetzel, Jeff England, Arlie Johnson Jr. Honorary casket bearers were Charley Jones, Clarence Campbell, Julius Wall, Bill Burgess, Roy Davis and John Neibarger. Interment was in Vansant Road Cemetery with military honors under the direction of the V.F.W. Post #1894.
