David Ray Shelby

David Ray Shelby, 72, passed away Saturday morning, December 12, 2020 with complications from ALS.

He was born September 1, 1948, in Mishawaka, to Samuel and Ruth (Keefer) Shelby. David was raised in the First Church of God in Mishawaka.  He enjoyed playing the piano in the church and loved spending time with the Youth Group there.

David graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1966.  He was on the tennis team and excelled in the art programs there.  He then went on to attend Indiana University.  

On October 4, 1976, David enlisted in the Navy.  He graduated from the Naval Hospital Corps with Honors and Distinction on April 19, 1977.  David served as an Emergency Medical Technician until his Honorable Discharge.

David worked as security at Pickrell’s greenhouses and then worked in security at the Department of Welfare.  He later became a Caseworker for The Child Welfare Department of St. Joseph County.

David was preceded in death by his father, Samuel in 2007.  He is survived by his two sons, Tavis from Edwardsburg, Michigan and Colton from South Bend.  Also surviving are his mother, Ruth Shelby and siblings Thomas (Linda) Shelby of Woodbine, Georgia; Diane (Denny) Kring, Shelley Shelby, Samuel Shelby and Timothy Shelby, all from Mishawaka as well as a nephew, Patrick (Johnna) Shelby and a great niece, Eleanor of Folkston, Georgia.

We loved and enjoyed David’s quick witted and very funny sense of humor.  He will be truly missed.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the family will have a Celebration of Life for David at a later date for family and friends. 

Elkhart Cremation Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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