Robert M. Shultz

He was born March 8, 1914 in El Reno, OK. The son of Joseph R. and Mary Louise Bennett Shultz. He married Mildred M. Bates Aug. 21, 1946 in Oklahoma City and she preceded him in death Nov. 30, 2011. He was also preceded in death by a brother George Shultz and two sisters, Neva Zeman and Ruth Cornelison.

He was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma (J.D.) and Harvard University (Ed.D.). He served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war he taught public school and was a pioneer in educational television first at Purdue University and then as Executive Director of the department of Instructional Television and Radio for the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Illinois. He retired at age 86 after serving the Community Services Department of Lincoln Land Community College. He was a member of Rotary Club of Springfield-South and Laurel United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling and playing cards with friends, writing letters, visiting friends and family and eating chocolate ice cream.

He is survived by two sons, Robert K. Shultz of Thornton, CO. and John J. Shultz (Cheryl) of Harrisburg; daughter, The Rev. Mary L. Haxton (The Rev. Stanley) of Groveland; grandchildren, Jameson Atkinson (Hope Hollinshead), Kathryn Shultz (Riley Swinford), James Cirigliano (Susan), Elizabeth Locker (Eric), Amanda Mullin (Dan), Sarah Shultz, Simon Haxton, Nick Haxton. Jessica Retrum (Iver); great grandson, Lars Retrum; brother in law, Gene C. Bates and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Friends may call Tuesday Oct. 7, 2014 at Laurel United Methodist Church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services there at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Dr. Kent Lolling officiating. Interment will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors. Memorials may be made to Laurel United Methodist Church. Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is serving the family (www.boardman-smith.net).