Charles William Shoultz

Charles William Shoultz, 85, of Princeton, IN, went home to be with the Lord on May 22, 2025 at The Waters of Princeton with family by his side, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, integrity, and countless cherished memories with those who loved him. Charles was born on October 30, 1939 to Marion and Lavon (Stone) Shoultz. On January 18, 1959, Charles married the love of his life, Shelba J. Shoultz, and together they enjoyed 64 wonderful years together. They were blessed with two bundles of joy, their son, Chris William on August 19, 1960 and their daughter, Cathy Jean on July 20, 1963.

His was a life well lived. He and Shelba found endless joy in life’s simple blessings, and his contentment was a gift to all who knew him. A devoted and loving husband, he never missed an opportunity to surprise Shelba with greeting cards - each one carefully chosen and cherished, so much so that she saved nearly every one over their 64+ years together. He deeply valued and loved his family, and his happiest times were when they were all together. Through the years, Charles could always be found on the sidelines of his grandchildren’s soccer games, tennis matches, band competitions, or in the audience of musicals, plays, and winter guard competitions, rarely missing any opportunity to cheer them on. Charles adored his great grandchildren and laughed endlessly watching their antics. They always knew great Papaw would have a freezer stocked with vanilla ice cream cups just for them! Charles’ peace with life was a reflection of his trust in God. As a man of deep faith, Charles loved the Lord and instilled those values in his family. He was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Princeton, IN where he attended for over 50 years. Charles and Shelba treasured the friendships and support from their First Baptist family through the years.

Charles loved to be outdoors. In the spring of younger years, he enjoyed the tradition of hunting morel mushrooms with family. He looked forward to planting and tending his vegetable garden each year, and delighted in sharing its harvest with family. Charles was a graduate of Mt. Olympus High School, Class of 1958 where he played both baseball and basketball, sparking a lifelong passion for the game. He and Shelba never missed a March Madness tournament, and most enjoyed cheering on Indiana University. Charles retired from General Electric after more than 35 years as a professional truck driver, a career he took great pride in - with no major accidents throughout his career. His life was a testament to hard work, faith and love – quiet but unwavering. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Shelba, his son Chris Shoultz, his parents and his siblings; M. Shannon Owens, Nancy Smith and Roy Shoultz.

He is survived by his daughter Cathy (Gary) Chalcraft of Mt. Carmel, IL, Daughter-in-Law Debra Shoultz of Princeton, IN, grandchildren Melissa (Jacob) Grear and great grandson Benjamin Grear of Newburgh, IN, Ashley (Trent) Tenbarge, and great granddaughters, Raelynn and Emersyn Tenbarge of Evansville, Bethany (Nick) Spitzner and great grandsons Benjamin, Nathaniel and Bradley Spitzner and Rebecca Staat and great grandsons Jonathan and Jason Staat all of Cisne, IL, siblings Jim (Sue) Shoultz and Sherry Cockerham both of Petersburg, IN and Debbie Sattler of Jasper, IN and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM CT on Friday, May 30th at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, IN with Pastor Jim Saunders officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM CT until service time at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Hazleton, IN.

For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church, 800 W. Faith Blvd., Princeton, IN 47670. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Online condolences can be given at ColvinFuneralHome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shoultz family.

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