Robert "Bob" Melvin Shahan

Robert "Bob" Shahan, 77, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville on Monday, July 10, 2017, after a brief battle with cancer.

Robert Melvin Shahan was born in eastern Putnam County on February 4, 1940, the son of George Lee and Lera Grace (Fowler) Shahan, who preceded him in death. Bob graduated from Unionville High School in 1957. He married Linda Kay Shipley on April 4, 1964, and to this union four children were born: Candy, Tanya, Randy, & Ryan. Bob and Linda later divorced; Linda passed away September 5, 2001. Bob married Vivian Jenkins on February 14, 2003. They later divorced but maintained a long-standing friendship until Bob’s death.

Bob farmed all his life. He started working and driving with a team of horses when he was a small boy. Bob worked as a farmhand for Dale Ream, and he worked for Dr. Fon Owings. He was a Ford tractor mechanic at Sheely Implement for several years until it closed. Bob worked for Don Veirs Fur and Fertilizer and for Missouri Mining. He moved the family back to the farm in 1977 and then was engaged in farming on a full-time basis, retiring in 2014. He had a long-standing farm partnership with Omer Dye of Omaha, NE. Bob also ran the road maintainer for the Lincoln Township for 22 years.

Bob loved everything connected to the farm and agriculture. He liked to visit with farmers of the past to learn their history and also to learn from young farmers about changes being made. He liked to attend the Putnam County Fair and the Iowa State Fair just to look at all the agricultural exhibits. Bob had an impeccable memory for dates, weather, and family history. He enjoyed the canine companionship of two yellow labs over a period of 20 years: Jack and Jasper. After moving to town he raised a big garden of flowers and vegetables. Bob was a member of the ASCS Board, a MFA Oil delegate, and a member of the Lincoln Township board. He also cared for the Neeb Cemetery for a number of years.

Bob is survived by his four children: Candy Shultz of Unionville, MO; Tanya Kittelson and husband Shane of Newburg, MO; Randy Shahan and wife Adriana of De Soto, KS; and Ryan Shahan of Mission, KS. His surviving grandchildren are Brooklyn (Kyle) Fleshman, Brandy Shultz, Randa Shahan, Olivia Shahan, and Ethan Shahan. Bob’s two great grandchildren are Emmitt and Bayler Fleshman. Bob is also survived by a special nephew, David Shahan, and niece, Debra Simmons.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Dorsey Shahan, and a sister-in-law, Elaine Williams.

Funeral services for Robert Shahan will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 15, with visitation from 6:00 -8:00 pm on Friday, July 14. Interment will be at the Neeb Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Neeb Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.