John R. 'Jack' Shilling

John R. “Jack” Shilling, 73, of 1238 Carmont Dr., Meadville, died Thursday, April 27, 2006 at Meadville Medical Center.

He was born in Meadville August 31, 1932, a son of the late J. Hugh and Ruth A. Stainbrook Shilling.  He married Marilyn Holmes April 14, 1951 and they celebrated their honeymoon by watching the Cleveland Indians play in Detroit.

He was a 1950 graduate of Meadville High School and was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War, serving stateside from 1953 to 1955.  He was cofounder of Eaton and Shilling Masonry Contractors which became Shilling Masonry Contractors, retiring in 1995.

He was a member and past master of Masonic Lodge 408, member of the Erie Shrine Temple, Crawford County Shrine Club, Meadville Elks Lodge 219, Meadville Club, and Meadville Country Club.  An avid golfer and Cleveland Indians fan, he also enjoyed traveling and hunting.  He and his wife recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with a trip to see the Cleveland Indians.  Jack was very well known and loved for his easy going, fun loving personality but mostly for his infectious smile.

He was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, serving as deacon.

Survivors, in addition to his wife of 55 years, include 2 daughters, Linda Hornstein and her husband Donald of Conneaut Lake and Kathy Beard and her husband David of Sharpsburg, MD; 1 son, Dale Shilling and his wife Kim of Meadville; 3 brothers, Richard Shilling and his wife Mary of Crossville, TN; Dan Shilling and his wife Sharon of Conneaut Lake; and Ron Shilling and his wife Jeanie of Charlotte, NC; 6 grandchildren, Alan and Ryan Hornstein, Corie and Marty McElroy, and Ashley and Eric Shilling; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville with a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m.

A funeral service will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Paul Thomas, Pastor of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 1070 Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335 or the Masonic Building Fund, 17112 Parkview Dr., Meadville, PA 16335.