Robert
Lee
Short
Obituary
Robert Lee Short, 88, passed away on Thursday, December 28th surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Plymouth, IN on March 17th, 1935 to Wilbur and Della (Kason) Short. He graduated from Plymouth High School where he was an outstanding athlete and Eagle Scout.
Bob met his wife Mary Selle at Ball State University and they married in 1957. After graduation they moved to Ft. Wayne to pursue teaching careers. Bob started teaching at Harrison Hill Jr. High and opened Portage Jr. High as the industrial arts instructor and football coach and spent his summers as one of the original Wildcat Baseball Directors. He then opened Snider High School in 1964 and taught there until his retirement in 1998. Bob was truly exceptional and passionate in his teaching abilities to inspire and motivate students to pursue trades outside the classroom environment.
After retirement, Bob enjoyed ushering at the Coliseum where he encountered many of his former students. It wasn’t uncommon for them to come up and share the positive impact he had on them and how he helped shape their lives. His former students and family members alike will never forget Bob’s strong hands. Bob would quickly get the attention of his students by tearing the Ft. Wayne phonebook in half at the start of each school year. He would also bring family members to their knees with his “death grip” handshake during the sign of peace at church or just to prove a point.
What was deceptively simple and overwhelmingly true about Bob was that he just wanted to make others happy. He was a man of few words, one who accepted little, and gave everything selflessly.
Bob set an example to others for his integrity, loyalty, and work ethic. There wasn’t anything Bob wouldn’t do to help others, and he did just that. All who knew Bob marveled about all he was and all he did.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary (Selle), his daughter, Susan Snyder (Wayne), his son, Scott Short (Robert Stipicevich), two grandsons, Matt Snyder (Sarah), Chris Snyder (Kelsey), and four great-grandchildren.
At his request, there will be no calling or service. A family celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to an educational scholarship fund set up by the family to honor their parent’s combined 76 years of teaching in the Ft. Wayne Community Schools. Scholarships will be awarded through the Anthis Career Center to students pursuing a trade career or early childhood education. Contributions may be sent to the Short Educational Scholarship Fund in care of the Divine Mercy Funeral Home: 3500 Lake Ave., Ft. Wayne, IN 46805.
Services
Condolences
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A great teacher and great coach.
Our prayers are for all members of the Short Family.
The Herald Family
Dear Mary, Trusting that Bob is rewarded now for all he was and for all he accomplished…
I remember a bus trip that included a surprise stop in MI at the studio of artist Gwen Frostig.
There we saw “antique” printing presses that Bob knew/used so well. I was happy to see his happy “remembering” smile !!!
May you know special blessings in the tomorrows to come, Mary.
Thoughts and prayers from all the families from Bussick Orthodontics.
Dear Mary and Family, I always enjoyed talking with Bob when he came with you to the retired Harris teachers lunches. My sympathy and prayers are with you during this time. Sincerely, Nick Johnson
Our family has intertwined with yours in many ways. Bob as my h.s. home room teacher, Mary as my kid’s kindergarten teacher (and Mrs Claus) and Susan as a student of my husband. Dear people who became friends. Blessings and condolences to you all.
Mary and family, our thoughts and love are with you during this time in your life.
Our lives intersected in many ways. You and Bob were very special and we feel your sympathy.
Paul and Gerry Niccum
Mary and family, please accept our sincerest sympathy. Bob was a standout at Snider, and even if your kids weren’t one of Bob’s students, they all knew him and enjoyed seeing and talking with him at Coliseum events…as we did! God bless and our thoughts and prayers from Florida.
Denny and Monya Weissert
Scott, I am sorry about your dad’s passing. May you honor the memories of him in your heart forever.
Judy & Gary Gatton
Dear Mary and family,
I have so many nice memories of growing up with Bob. Bob was an inspiration to many many people. In football I played on the line, and Bob was our fullback. On some plays I would pull out of the line and go down field to make a block for Bob. Although I started about four yards ahead of Bob, Bob was so quick that he would place his hand on my back as I was running and looking to make a block.
We were separated for many years, but childhood memories that I have of Bob can never be forgotten.
Mary, grief is the price we pay for love.
I met Bob at Snider where we worked together and I stayed friends with him and Mary after his retirement. When I was having knee surgery years later his grandson Matt was my physical therapist.
Dear Mary and the entire Short family,
I am sorry to hear about Bob. My deepest sympathies to all of you.