WWII-Vet-Obit-SHIDELER, Virgil Wayne - 1966 - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Virgil Wayne Shideler was born in Sterling, Indiana, on November 9, 1908, the son of Barry and Anna Jarred Shideler. He grew up in this community, and graduated from the Veedersburg High School in the class of 1926. Under the teaching of his father and his older brother, Fred, Wayne learned masonry work while still in his teens, and became a skilled workman at an early age. On August 26, 1932, he was united in marriage to Ruth Hushaw and the young couple established their home in Sterling. On May 18, 1941, their hearts were gladdened by the arrival of their first child, Donna Sue, but their joy soon turned to sadness, for the baby lived only eleven days. On January 4, 1943, a son Robert Wayne, was born. In October of the same year, Wayne was inducted into the Navy, and served his country for two years in the South Pacific, taking part in the invasions of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. Upon his return to civilian life, Wayne went into the contracting business for himself, and soon was known throughout the area as an outstanding builder. On October 8, 1951, a daughter, Susan Kay, joined the family circle, making it complete. During the years that followed, the Shideler family continued to make Sterling their home, and became an active part of the fellowship of the Sterling Congregational Christian Church. In the spring of 1956, the long-felt need for a new and larger Aid House, next door to the Church, was met through a volunteer work project, carried out by men of the church and the community, under Wayne’s able and energetic leadership. The new building was completed in time to be used as a voting place that November, and on Thanksgiving evening a large gathering of friends of the church met there for a fellowship supper and in formal program of dedication, climaxing the long months of labor which had made it possible. Through the years, Wayne lent a helping hand to many a young man who sought a job, and found not only employment but a friend as well. He continued to work as long as health and strength permitted, and it was not until severe pain and exhaustion compelled him, that he entered the Carle Clinic on March 28, of this year. Shortly after entering the hospital, the father’s heart was gladdened by the return of his son, Bob, from three years o service with the Air Force in England, and his strong young presence was to bring sunshine to the dark days ahead. Even after his illness was diagnosed as cancer, Wayne kept up his spirits, and welcomed visitors with cheerfulness. He took an interest in the plight of other patients near him, and tried to cheer them up as best he could. Through the long days of suffering and discouragement, his thought were always more for his family and their welfare then for himself. On Sunday morning, May 8, Wayne laid down his burden of pain, and found rest at last. He is survived by his wife Ruth, his son, Robert, and daughter, Susan, one sister, Nellie Oilar, several nieces and nephews, and many friends, who will find his example of courage in the face of great odds, not only an inspiration, but a challenge. When the path is steep and narrow, And it’s difficult to see – If God’s eye is on the sparrow, He will surely care for me. He will guide me if I stumble With his strong assuring arm; In the darkness, where I tumble He will shelter me from harm. I shall have no fear of hunger If I lean upon His Word – I was taught, when I was younger, How he feeds each hungry bird. Stones of pain may bruise and harrow, Grief may bend me to my knee – But His eye is on the sparrow, I know He cares for me.   -– jlr