Charles R. Shellabarger

Charles R. Shellabarger, age 86, of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away on June 21, 2026, at Miami Valley Hospital following complication from triple bypass surgery. Charles was born in Clark County, Ohio on October 9, 1939, to the late Charles Newton Shellabarger and Wana Louise (Gellar) Shellabarger, and was the youngest of 7 children.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Joyce Ann (Potter) Shellabarger; daughter, Julia Ann Shellabarger; brothers: Richard, James, and Paul Shellabarger; sisters: Jane Klontz, Nancy Schliep, and Naomi Brown; and son in law Jeffrey Allan Whitt.

Charles is survived by his children: Jo Ann (Mike) Stratton, Karen Whitt, and Chuck (Wendy) Shellabarger; grandchildren: Michel (Alli) Stratton, Mitchell (Ashley) Stratton, Julie (Ryan) Tirey, Adrian (Toshia) Shellabarger, Whitney (David) Dominy, Jenna Shellabarger, and Chase Shellabarger; great grandchildren: Tayte Stratton, Brody Tirey, Myles Stratton, Cooper Tirey, Jett Stratton, Savvi Stratton, Auggi Stratton, and Waylon Dominy; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In addition to spending all his life working on the farm, Charles retired from Dresser Airetool Company after many years of service. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball and bowling, coaching little league baseball, and Enon Girls Softball. The last several years he loved playing golf in “The Farmers League” with his farming buddies. He looked forward to The Clark County Fair every year, hoping to win Grand Champion with his hand-picked bales of hay, and succeeded for many years.

Charles was very proud of his garden of vegetables each summer filled with tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, and sweet corn. He also enjoyed family reunions and vacations; some of his favorites were Amish Country, Gatlinburg, and spending three winter months in Bradenton, Florida.

But his greatest joy came from spending time with family, attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events. He will always be their biggest fan!

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 2-4pm at Richards, Raff, and Dunbar Memorial Home, 838 E High Street, Springfield. Funeral services to honors Charles’ life will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:00am also at the funeral home. Charles will be laid to rest next to his wife, Joyce, in Enon Cemetery.

To share a memory of Charles, or leave a special message for his family, please see the online guestbook below.