Obituary
William S. (Bill) Shufelt, 95, of Arlington, OH, passed away March 5, 2024. He was born January 20, 1929, in Watertown, NY.
Bill married the love of his life, Betty (Simmons) Shufelt on June 13, 1953, and she preceded him in death on March 10, 2012. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Slain, of Kalamazoo, MI and his son, Brian (Leslie) Shufelt of Arlington, OH. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Jared (Aliceshia) Slain; Brook (Joe) Gallagher; Will (Shatayla) Slain; Sean (Chelsea) Slain; Megan Shufelt; and Jon (Brianna) Shufelt. Bill also leaves behind 12 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews and cherished in-laws.
Bill served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force as an air traffic controller for 24 years, serving in Japan, Korea, England, Greenland and Thailand. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he continued his career as an FAA air traffic controller, which led to a job in Muncie, IN. The 1981 strike and decertification of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization by the Reagan administration forced Bill out of the profession, but he never gave up hope that one day he would return to the Muncie tower. That dream was realized in the 90's when he went back to work as a contract air traffic controller, a job he did with great pride until his retirement in 2005 at age 76. At the time of his retirement, it was believed that Bill was the oldest active air traffic controller in the country.
Bill was the ultimate family man. He gave his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren his all, right until the end of his life. He loved all babies and could often be found waving and playing peek-a-boo with them at his favorite
restaurants.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Garden View Funeral Home which is located on 10501 North State Road 3, Muncie Indiana 47303 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM with Reverend Dan Metzger officiating . Burial will be taking place at a later date at Marion National Cemetery located on 1700 E 38th Street Marion IN 46953.
Online condolences may be sent to www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.