William Shufelt Obituary

William Stanley "Bill" Shufelt

William S. (Bill) Shufelt, 95, of Arlington, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

He was born Jan. 20, 1929, in Watertown, New York. Bill married the love of his life, Betty (Simmons) Shufelt, on June 13, 1953, and she preceded him in death March 10, 2012.

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Slain of Kalamazoo, Michigan; son, Brian (Leslie) Shufelt of Arlington; six grandchildren, Jared (Aliceshia) Slain, Brook (Joe) Gallagher, Will (Shatayla) Slain, Sean (Chelsea) Slain, Megan Shufelt, and Jon (Brianna) Shufelt; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and cherished in-laws.

Bill served his country proudly in 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, Indiana. 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 90s 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 10 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024, until the time of Bill's funeral at 12 p.m. at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 North State Road 3, Muncie, Indiana, 47303. The Rev. Dan Metzger will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E. 38th Street, Marion, Indiana, 46953.

Online condolences may be sent to www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.