I echo the thoughts of Barry and Irene who have written about their experiences with Mr. Shetline as their teacher, except mine were in high school.  Len Shetline was my 11th grade English teacher at Sebring High School in the 1950-51 school year.  I sat totally enthralled by his teaching, soaking up all I could about literature and whatever else he talked about.  I was totally devastated when I found out he was leaving to go to war. 

When I graduated in 1952, I left Sebring and lost contact with Len and most of my friends there.  I had no more contact with him until 1992 when we both were present at my 40th class anniversary.  At that time he reminded me that in high school, he had tried to get me to switch my main interest from math to English and prepare to teach English instead of preparing to teach math.  Then he shared with me that he had later switched to math and he now knew why I liked it so much.  

Since 1992, we have kept in touch, sometimes with letters in which I shared with him my joys of teaching and the woes of rough situations.  Always he responded with an understanding that was uncanny and with words of wisdom.  My only regret was that we could not sit down and talk face to face.

A few years ago, I retired after many years of teaching math.  Always as I reflected on my teachers and my teaching, I counted Len Shetline as one of the strongest influences on me to make me the teacher I became. I thank him for his influence in my life.

My sincere condolences to all his family.

Irell Smothers Harp  --  Sebring High School class of 1952

It was a very sad day in my life when I learned of the death of a hero to me, my fifth and sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Shetline. I have been inspired by him many times since. I had him for the '54-'55 and '55-'56 term. Mr. Shetline not only taught both 5th and 6th grade at the same time in the same classroom, but he was also the school principal. I never knew him to have a discipline problem with any student. I don't remember a telephone in the room, which I guess was also his office. Of the many things he taught us was how to square dance (the first time I had held a girl in my arms!). The highlight of the school day was about 30 minutes at the end when he told a running story (without notes) of Homer's The Illiad and The Oddesey. It took most of the year to cover the story. 

Later in life afer a 30 year career as a boilermaker, I completed college at the age of 53. I wrote a paper about Mr. Shetland and his inspirational class and teaching methods, and sent it to him. Imagine my surprise when at my graduation in 1996 I received a card with a $50 bill in it. Just him remembering me after all those years was enough!

I am now retired after a second career of teaching 6th-grade math for 10 years. Believe me school has changed a lot since I had Mr. Shetline. 

I'll always remember him with love. My condolences to his family.

Barry Owens
bowens44@comcast.net

I took care of Leonard for a little while when he was in Ravenna. What a great great man, He recieted some of his poetry for me.. It was absolutely amazing. I only knew him for a short while, but I am so glad I did get to know him. How lucky you all are for knowing him for so long.. May God be with you in your difficult time, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your hearts will be filled with wonderful memories soon. I will never forget Leonard, God Bless.

In 1956 Mr. Shetline was my 5th grade teacher and a year later my 6th grade teacher at De Soto City Elementary School in Florida. I've shared memories about my gifted teacher many times with family and friends. 

I remember memorizing poems to recite in front of the class, going to my spot at the blackboard to tutor classmates in math, doing science fair projects, using research and library skills, participating in classroom spelling bees, learning Greek mythology, listening to him dramatically tell the epic stories â€œThe Iliadâ€ and â€œThe Odysseyâ€, learning to square dance during recess time, and watching him pace the floor â€œconductingâ€ an orchestra while classical music poured out of a record player.
  
I've never forgotten his words of wisdom, â€œI can't teach you everything there is to know in the world, but I can teach you how and where to look for information.â€ He taught me to question and challenge information even when it was written in a book. I experienced his pure joy of learning that he exhibited every day. I worked hard and had fun. I felt important and capable in his class. 

Over the years I sent letters to Len to share news about my family and me, mailed postcards from our travels, and enjoyed visits. My husband is a retired USAF English instructor, teaches technical and business writing, an avid reader, and a writer. During our visits with Len, I enjoyed watching these two brilliant minds discuss literature, poetry, and theatre with the enthusiasm of children in a park playground! I loved hearing Len's stories from time in the Air Force, his childhood memories, and learning about his growing family. He would order in enough food from Red Lobster to feed an army! Our visits always ended too early. 

As Len's health failed, I kept in touch through his family. I'm very grateful to Kerry for putting me in touch with Glynis, her emails, and the visit with Len that Glynis arranged last summer. My very special teacher may have left this planet but he'll never leave my heart and memories. 
   
Irene Luckett, Colorado Springs, CO

I can still hear you telling me, "I love you, Girl!" Right now, I know you're with Jesus going "Further up and further in!" and yet I will miss you so very, very much. Love always, Glynis

My father gave to me the "gift of words" and it is a gift I will always cherish. I imagine you in a coffee house, hobnobbing with all your favorite poets and writers! Love, Cece

Mr. Shetline was a wonderful man, I always enjoyed talking with him, and through the years writing to each other. He is truly a great loss. My prayers are with all of you. Like Martha, I will miss both of them. I have truly lost two wonderful friends.
Chloe A. Riley-Haner

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Leonard J. Shetline

16 décembre 1925 – 7 décembre 2011

Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home

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