Dr. J. Shigley

Dr. J. Robert Shigley, age 82 years old, of Evansville, IN passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021 at his home. He was born on January 21, 1939 in Indianapolis, IN to his late parents Ray and Ann (Mayfield) Shigley.

Robert attended University of Miami where he was kicker on the football team. He went on to graduate at Clemson University where he ran track. He earned 2 Bachelors Degrees and went on to serve in the US Marine Corps. He worked at a TV station in Miami, FL where he met the love of his life Janet. Robert was one of the Founding Fathers of distance running in Evansville & helped form the Evansville Distance Runners Club. He also organized races including the first long distance race in town. He completed numerous marathons including the Boston Marathon and had a column in the Evansville Courier & Press as well as having a published article in Runner’s World magazine.

Robert was an awarded Salesman who worked at several top US Companies including Xerox & Atlas Van Lines. He was awarded a commendation by President Bill Clinton.  He was Research Historian & Director of Marketing for the West Baden Springs Hotel that is one of the Eighth Wonders of the World. He wrote a nationally published book on the history of the Hotel.

Robert had numerous interests including archery, archeology, cycling, skiing, wood carving & an artist who painted numerous beautiful paintings. He practiced karate, calligraphy & was a prized Senior Boxer. He studied Classical Guitar under world renowned Guitarist Javier Calderon & performed numerous public concerts in addition to composing several original compositions. He loved fly-fishing in Tennessee and became a professional Instructor & also tied his on flys.

He held 7 Doctorate degrees in Theology & Ministry and was the Dean of Admissions since 2011 at Atlantic Coast Theological Seminary.

Robert’s true joy in life was his wife of 54 years, Janet. Everything one of them loved, the other loved too. He wrote endless poems & love letters to Janet and spent the last 21 years of his life being her caretaker after a brain injury from a heart attack left her completely incapacitated. The quote that meant the most to them was  “How do I love Thee,  let me count the ways….”

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Don Shigley.

Robert is survived by his wife, Janet Diane (Tuller); two daughters, Michelle Clark and Melonie Shigley; one son, Scott Shigley (Carla); grandsons, Casey Clark & Maikell Clark; granddaughters, Mari & Caitlynn and 5 great grandchildren.

A private service was held at Titzer Family Funeral Homes Volkman Chapel, 2nd and Elm St. Elberfeld, IN 47613 (812) 983-4211 and private burial at Zion Cemetery in Elberfeld.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Funeral home in his memory to his wife Janet.

Sympathy wishes to the family may be made to www.titzerfuneralhomes.com.