Shelar

Eugene Shelar passed away at 103 in his home at Kendal at Lexington on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Lexington, Va.

He was born in New Castle on July 28, 1920. At age 7, he moved with his family to Slippery Rock, where his father taught biology. Gene graduated from Slippery Rock College with a Bachelor of Science in physical education and science. He married Florence “Jo” Josephine Campbell in 1940 and was drafted into the Navy, spending World War II on the USS LST-1024 in the Pacific and later becoming a lieutenant commander in the active Navy Reserve. On the GI Bill, he earned an Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in nature studies at Cornell in 1949.

In 1950, Gene moved his wife and growing family to become a professor of biology at New Haven State Teachers College (today Southern Connecticut State University). Gene excelled especially at teaching botany field courses. He proved a successful administrator as well, serving both as chairman of the biology department and also as director of the student affairs committee, which oversaw the financial governance of both men's and women's athletics, fraternities, sororities and clubs.

After 27 years, Gene retired early in 1977 to undertake part-time jobs as an interpretive ranger for the National Park Service. He became a full-time ranger in 1979, summering at Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina's Outer Banks, and wintering at Everglades National Park in Florida.

After his wife died in 1985, Gene began to travel, enjoying his hobby of photography. Once retired from the park service in 1987 and settled permanently in Frisco on Cape Hatteras, N.C., he traveled extensively, photographing wildlife in areas as diverse as Ireland, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Africa, several South American countries and Antarctica. Travel and photography became a major focus during his retirement years, along with printing his own color photographs, a collection of which is displayed in the South Building at Kendal at Lexington.

In 1993, Gene married his second wife, Victoria Cudahy. They moved to Kendal at Lexington in 2009.

Gene is survived by his wife, Victoria; and his children, Eugene, Martha and William; as well as four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. One other child, John “Jack,” died in 2018.

Gene's quick sense of humor and engaging personality will be greatly missed by his family, but also by everyone fortunate enough to have known him or be taught by him or walk a trail with him.

SHELAR — Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service for Eugene Shelar, who died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. His ashes will be scattered at a later date.

Arrangements are by HARRISON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Lexington, Va.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.