Howard Shelp

Howard S. Shelp, age 91, of Portage, MI passed away Friday, July 15, 2016. Howard was born August 17, 1924 in Bancroft, MI to the late Elburn and Agnes (Pritch) Shelp. He was united in marriage to Barbara Jackson on December 14, 1947 who preceded him in death in January of 1995. He later was united in marriage to Marie (Pons) on October 21, 2000 who survives. He served with the 246th Engineer Combat Battalion in the U.S. Army during WWII, from April of 1943 until honorably discharged in December of 1945. His unit received a citation for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy. He attended MSU on the GI bill and worked for The Upjohn Company for 32 years. Howard was a longtime member of Portage First United Methodist Church and a longtime volunteer at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. Howard is survived by his wife, Marie Shelp; children, Marianne (Ralph) Guitar, Susan Shelp and Gordon (Deborah) Shelp; twin grandchildren, Jordan (Maria) and James (Lindsey) Guitar; great-grandchildren, a blessing on the way; step-daughter, Sharon Camp; step-grandson, David Camp; siblings, Frank (Patricia) Shelp and Doris Denfield; and several nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by siblings, Woodrow Shelp and Earl (Theodora) Shelp. The family will greet friends on Monday, July 25th from 10-11:30am at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 East Centre Ave., where a memorial service will begin at 11:30am. Rev. Don Wolfgang will officiate. Committal service will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Howard's name may be directed to Kalamazoo Air Zoo or to Parkinson's Foundation of Michigan.