Obituary for Roger G. Eshelman
Roger G. Eshelman was welcomed into heaven on Saturday, June 22, 2019. The son of the late Isaac and Mary (Gable) Eshelman, Roger was born November, 23, 1923 near Terre Hill, PA. Along with his five siblings, Roger was raised on the family farm and after his service in World War 2, went on to live and raise his own family in Terre Hill, the town he loved and supported in countless ways.
Roger was drafted into the Army in 1943 and served in the South Pacific as part of the Pacific Theatre of Operations. He was wounded in action, receiving a Purple Heart, recognizing his service and sacrifice in the Headquarters Company 3rd Battalion, 152nd Infantry. Many in his family did not know of his wartime experiences until much later in his life, when his grandchildren asked him to share his stories.
Roger was a plumber in the New Holland area and then became the Postmaster of Terre Hill, a job he enjoyed until his retirement. Many in the community remembered their visits to the post office where Roger greeted them with a hearty laugh and a pretzel for the children.
Roger was a member of St. John’s Center United Church of Christ, where he taught Sunday School and served in other ways. He coached youth baseball in Terre Hill for 35 years and cared for the Terre Hill Park, always working to make it a pleasant outdoor space for families. His dedication as a coach resulted in "Rogers Dugout" being placed on a concession stand at the park in 1998.
Roger loved his family, his community and Jesus. He enjoyed baseball, gardening, reading the newspaper and collecting antiques. He had a great sense of humor and an enduring love for his hometown.
Roger is survived by his children and their spouses: Richard & Kathy Eshelman, Terre Hill; Stephanie Eshelman, Washington, DC; Robert & Joanne Eshelman, Ephrata; Robert and Shelbie Shupp, Reinholds; and his late daughter’s spouse, Scott McCoy, Reading. He was also loved by his grandchildren and their spouses: Matthew & Jennifer Eshelman, Eric & Kaitlin Shupp, Melissa & James Proud, Kendy & Petter Walhovd, Tyler & Melanie Eshelman, Shane McCoy, Zachary Eshelman, Corey Eshelman, Shannon McCoy, Seth McCoy, Jesse & Bridget Eshelman and Brittany Eshelman, as well as eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Helen Shimp, Ephrata, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Harry “Bud” Eshelman, Arthur Eshelman, Hilda Fry and Ronald Eshelman as well as his daughter Sue McCoy and granddaughter, Alicia Eshelman.
A viewing and time of visitation will be held Thursday, June 27, from 6-8 p.m. at the Eckenroth Home for Funerals, 209 East Main Street, Terre Hill, PA. A second visitation will be held Friday, June 28, 10-11 a.m., at St. John’s UCC, 432 Reading Road, East Earl, PA. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., with graveside service to follow at Terre Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Terre Hill Days Committee, P.O. Box 640, Terre Hill, PA, 17581, care of “Roger Eshelman Memorial”. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com.
Roger was drafted into the Army in 1943 and served in the South Pacific as part of the Pacific Theatre of Operations. He was wounded in action, receiving a Purple Heart, recognizing his service and sacrifice in the Headquarters Company 3rd Battalion, 152nd Infantry. Many in his family did not know of his wartime experiences until much later in his life, when his grandchildren asked him to share his stories.
Roger was a plumber in the New Holland area and then became the Postmaster of Terre Hill, a job he enjoyed until his retirement. Many in the community remembered their visits to the post office where Roger greeted them with a hearty laugh and a pretzel for the children.
Roger was a member of St. John’s Center United Church of Christ, where he taught Sunday School and served in other ways. He coached youth baseball in Terre Hill for 35 years and cared for the Terre Hill Park, always working to make it a pleasant outdoor space for families. His dedication as a coach resulted in "Rogers Dugout" being placed on a concession stand at the park in 1998.
Roger loved his family, his community and Jesus. He enjoyed baseball, gardening, reading the newspaper and collecting antiques. He had a great sense of humor and an enduring love for his hometown.
Roger is survived by his children and their spouses: Richard & Kathy Eshelman, Terre Hill; Stephanie Eshelman, Washington, DC; Robert & Joanne Eshelman, Ephrata; Robert and Shelbie Shupp, Reinholds; and his late daughter’s spouse, Scott McCoy, Reading. He was also loved by his grandchildren and their spouses: Matthew & Jennifer Eshelman, Eric & Kaitlin Shupp, Melissa & James Proud, Kendy & Petter Walhovd, Tyler & Melanie Eshelman, Shane McCoy, Zachary Eshelman, Corey Eshelman, Shannon McCoy, Seth McCoy, Jesse & Bridget Eshelman and Brittany Eshelman, as well as eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Helen Shimp, Ephrata, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Harry “Bud” Eshelman, Arthur Eshelman, Hilda Fry and Ronald Eshelman as well as his daughter Sue McCoy and granddaughter, Alicia Eshelman.
A viewing and time of visitation will be held Thursday, June 27, from 6-8 p.m. at the Eckenroth Home for Funerals, 209 East Main Street, Terre Hill, PA. A second visitation will be held Friday, June 28, 10-11 a.m., at St. John’s UCC, 432 Reading Road, East Earl, PA. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., with graveside service to follow at Terre Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Terre Hill Days Committee, P.O. Box 640, Terre Hill, PA, 17581, care of “Roger Eshelman Memorial”. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com.