Charles "King" Shollenberger, 91
Charles “King” Shollenberger, age 91, of Springfield died on Jan. 29, 2012 in Mercy Villa after a short illness.
King was born Jan. 10, 1921, in Ozark, Mo., to Charles and Ethel (King) Shollenberger. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James Norvell (Fritz) Shollenberger; and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Shubert.
Along with countless former students, friends, neighbors, and extended family who will miss him, King is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Martha Lou (Ellington); their four children, Jim Shollenberger (Cheryl) of Union, Peggy Hennig (Edgar) of Mississippi, Chuck Shollenberger of Kansas and Lyn Young (Richard Thompson), of Springfield; three grandsons, Scott Morrison (Darla), Springfield, Mike Shollenberger (Carrie), Florida and Jeff Shollenberger, Union; five great-granddaughters, Amanda and Alexis Morrison, Kyra Shollenberger, Lainie and Marisa Shollenberger; and several nieces and nephews.
King graduated from Ozark High School and Missouri State Teachers College (now Missouri State University) with a degree in music education. He worked on his master’s degree at the University of Southern California and received it at MSTC. King proudly served in the Army Air Corp during World War II.
King loved music, was an accomplished violinist, and played in the Springfield Civic Symphony Orchestra. He directed the Ozark Choral Club.
He shared his musical and teaching talents in public schools and churches in Walnut Grove, Mt. Vernon, Ava, Lebanon, and Jefferson City, Mo., where he retired in July 1979 and moved to Springfield.
He earned awards for his work in music and received the Jess Cole Jazz Award in 2006 from the Missouri Jazz Educators Association at their annual convention. His passion for music made a difference in the lives of many students over several generations. His genetic gift of musical talent will be carried on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and future generations.
In retirement King continued his love of music through his piano tuning and refurbishing business.
He played euphonium in the Missouri State University and the Republic community bands until his late 80’s. King spent many hours volunteering for the American Red Cross and Community blood centers and Meals On Wheels.
He received the American Red Cross Senior Volunteer of the Year Award in 1992. He encouraged many through his volunteer efforts.
King was a proud 100+ gallon blood donor. He played golf every day possible and on March 24, 1995 at Hole 7 at Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course he made a hole-in-one.
He loved his workshop and crafted many beautiful wooden creations and stained glass pieces including the windows in the front of Central Christian Church sanctuary. He had dual membership at Central Christian Church (where he was a Deacon Emeritus) and High Prairie Christian Church in Fair Grove.
King’s heart overflowed with love and generosity. Everyone he met became his newest best friend. He loved all children, (even strangers), especially his great-granddaughters.
A celebration of King’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Central Christian Church, Springfield, Mo., with nephew, Rev. Dr. John Scott Ellington presiding. Arrangements made by Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Arthritis Foundation, 9433 Olive Boulevard, Ste 100, St. Louis, MO 63132, the Missouri State University Foundation-Band Fund, 300 S. Jefferson Ste. 100, Springfield, MO 65806, or the charity of choice.
