Graduation Year | Faculty |
Date of Birth | Nov 21, 1947 |
Date of Passing | Jan 28, 2024 |
About | George Rhoads Shelley, 76, of California, MO, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born on November 21, 1947, the son of Haldine Miller Shelley and Hildann (Rhoads) Shelley at Ft. Lewis, Washington. An Army Kid, George grew up in Washington, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri, before graduating from JCHS and earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Lincoln University. Upon receiving his ROTC Commission, he was posted to Ft. Carson, CO, before serving in Vietnam. Upon his return in 1972, he settled in California, MO, and began a distinguished career of teaching and community service. George married Phyllis Dene (Hunter) Shelley on December 27, 1975; she preceded him in death. George married Kathryn (Warren) Shelley on September 1, 1990; she survives of the home. Throughout his life, George dedicated himself to the service of others. He taught at California High School, State Fair Community College, and was an instructor for the US Army Adjutant General School at Ft. Harrison, IN, and Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. He was a member of the West Point writing education advisory committee, an ordained deacon of First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City, MO, held numerous offices in Jefferson Chapter #496 and California Chapter #521 Order of the Eastern Star, and California Lodge #183 AF&AM, was Master Councilor of the Missouri Order of DeMolay, and a Dad-Advisor for Celestial Assembly #113 Order of the Rainbow. He also held a variety of offices with VFW Post #4345, served on the school board, was an Eagle Scout and Cub Scout pack master, published numerous papers, served as copy editor for both students and published authors, and earned a variety of awards for his military, teaching, and community service at the local, state, and national levels. In addition to his wife, Kathy, George is survived by his daughter Tracy King (Matt Plank) of Jefferson City, MO; Chris King (Delina) of Poplar Bluff, MO; Ray Huett of Moberly, MO; Phyllis Leneen Stutzman (Jacob) of Emporia, KS; Terri Pearson (Ray) of Fulton, MO; sisters Annell Hoy (Steve) of Evergreen, CO, and Sha Bishop of St. Louis; seven grandchildren, numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 12-2pm at the funeral home with a Masonic service beginning at 1:45pm. Funeral Service will be at 2pm at the funeral home with a graveside interment to follow at the Masonic Cemetery in California, MO with full Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to California Lodge #183 AF& AM and a scholarship fund to be established at CHS in Mr. Shelley’s name, both c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services of California, MO. https://www.bowlincantriel.com/obituary/george-shelley |