Robert Shook, 89

Robert N. “Bob” Shook, age 89, of Fulton, died peacefully on Saturday Oct. 16, 2010 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.  He was born in Fulton on Dec. 22, 1920 the son of George W. and Carrie (Kline) Shook.  He graduated from Athens High School and continued to work on the family farm prior to World War II.  Bob served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater during the war.  While on leave he met his future wife, Adele Hoy in Sydney Australia. Bob & Adele were married on March 11, 1947 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon, and they have made their home at the family farm in Fulton since their marriage. 

Bob worked in the airline industry starting out in Battle Creek with American Airlines and North Central Air, which later became Republic and Northwest Airlines, retiring as a regional sales manager.  He attended American University in Washington, D.C., and Western Michigan University, where he also taught several classes.  Bob was an active member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon where he was a Lector, CCD teacher, and served on the Parish Council. He was also a volunteer with the Jail Ministry program for the Diocese of Kalamazoo, and for Borgess VNA and Hospice.  He was the founder of Red Carpet Travel Service in Three Rivers and was a member of the Battle Creek Optimist Club and the American Legion.

 Bob is survived by his wife, Adele; ten children, Lynette (Mike) Wilson of Leonidas, Christopher (Katherine) Shook of Kalamazoo, Stephen (Jo Ellen) Shook of Springfield, VA, Marianne (Joe) Kuiper of Mattawan, Timothy Shook of Miami, FL, Maureen (David) Simms of Milford, Robert G. Shook of Allegan, Lawrence (Darla Cook) Shook of Battle Creek, Pauline (Mark) Giacobone of Schoolcraft, and Kathleen (Steve) Waldron of Schoolcraft;  26 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and by his special niece, Kay (Trevor) Jones of Northport.  He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Dr. Kenneth Shook and Cleon Shook; and 3 infant children. 

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon, and where the Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.  The funeral mass for Bob Shook will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon with concelebrants, Rev. Jim Vinh Le and Rev. Mark Vyverman officiating.  Military interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be directed to either the Jail Ministry Program for the Diocese of Kalamazoo, the St. Edward Catholic Church Preservation Fund, or to Kairo’s Dwelling Hospice Home in Kalamazoo.  An online register is available at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com