Robert P. Englehart

Robert Phillip Englehart, 87, of O’Fallon, Missouri passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018 at St. Joseph West Hospital.

Bob was born on June 2, 1931 in Jackson, Missouri to William Herbert and Agnes Estelle Englehart (nee Bandy).

He and Shirley Ann Jones were married on January 23, 1953 in Old Appleton, Missouri.

Bob served his country proudly in the Air Force in the Korean War from 1951-1954. He flew 25 missions as a right gunner in a B-29 over North Korea. He also flew a B-36 during his enlistment.

He received his BS degree in Education from Southeast Missouri State University, and taught in Southeast Missouri before moving to O’Fallon in 1962.  He received his master’s in education from University of Missouri.  Bob was the first principal of J.L. Mudd Elementary School in the Fort Zumwalt School District. He remained the principal there until he retired from education in 1986.

Bob was a member of many educational organizations and served as president of the Elementary School Principals in the St. Louis area.  He served on many committees while working for the Fort Zumwalt School District as the district was rapidly growing and changing. His memory was amazing as he could recall facts, dates, and figures about the school district in the early 1960’s through the 2000’s, and he was a useful source for many people when information was needed. He provided a living history education for many, even a few who published books.

Bob was an active member of Williams Memorial Methodist Church, which is now Cornerstone Methodist Church, for the 56 years that he lived in O’Fallon.  Even this past year of his life when getting around was difficult for him at times, he and his wife, Shirley, always made sure they had a ride to and from church on Sunday.  He served on various church committees, was a Sunday school teacher, and he and Shirley were the Methodist Youth Fellowship leaders in the 1970’s.  After retirement, he and Shirley went on mission trips with the church several times to help in the less fortunate areas of the United States.

Bob served his community as well.  He was a member of the O’Fallon Planning and Zoning commission for 35 years. Bob and Shirley have had the honor of being the Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year for O’Fallon. They have also had the honor of being the parade marshals for the O’Fallon Heritage and Freedom Festival.  In 1977, Bob was awarded a Key to the City, by then Mayor Paul Renaud.  In the early years, Bob was a member of the O’Fallon Khoury League, and he and Shirley were active members of the Optimist Club.  Bob was a proud veteran and a lifetime member of The American Legion Post 388.  As a member of the Honor Guard, he looked forward to serving his duty to pay tribute to veterans and fallen soldiers with performing the rifle fire for funerals at Jefferson Barracks.

Bob’s pride and joy was his wife, Shirley, and his family. He was most happy when the grandchildren and great grandchildren came to visit. His eyes would light up, and the smile on his face was enormous.  Bob also enjoyed playing cards with friends.  And, having the extended Jones Family Thanksgiving was also a joy.  At any of these events you would find him talking, talking, and talking. Sometimes, we thought he talked too much, but now we will miss hearing his voice.  He enjoyed traveling and camping.  Anyone who knows Bob at all, knows another of his favorites was food! He was always planning his next meal. He loved sweets and desserts. He was famous for asking us to make one of HIS favorite desserts, that not too many others cared for, but then eating every other dessert that was available before making it to the dessert he really wanted.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Shirley (nee Jones), three children, Jim Englehart, Barbara (Tim) Schwane, and Connie (Rod) Snyder; six grandchildren, James Robert (Melanie) Englehart, Mindy (Jason) Blanc, Nick Snyder, Jill (Justin) Heller, Jeremy (Christie) Snyder, and Alan (Lynn Selle) Schwane; eleven great grandchildren, Lexi, Ethan, Kane, James, Megan, Owen, Gwynith, Logan, Avery, Spencer, and baby William due in January; brothers and sisters-in-law Dean and Sue Jones, Dorothy Farrow, Patsy Langston, Gary and Jeannine Jones; sister-in-law Carol Englehart.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Agnes, and brothers, William D. Englehart and James B. Englehart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to American Heart Association or American Legion Post 388.