The Rev. Benjamin E. Sheldon, 83, on Sept. 18, 2012, passed away peacefully at his home in Elverson, Pa., surrounded by his family.
He was born in Milwaukee WI, on Oct. 31, 1928, to Rex Donald and Gertrude Bracker Sheldon. At age 16, he became a Christian and later earned a master’s of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He served as a missionary to South Korea from 1953 to 1964 before returning to the United States to pastor churches in Washington D.C., Pikeville KY, Havertown PA, and Glenmoore PA.
Throughout his life, he was active in the Presbyterian Church as a missionary and pastor, Presbyterians Pro-Life, and Messianic Jewish ministry. He enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren and is fondly remembered for his love of peeled grapes and joyful singing, if a bit off-key.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Amy; his children (and spouses), Rex (wife Susan) Sheldon of Warrenton VA, John (wife Laurie) Sheldon of Ocean City NJ, Janet (husband Paul) Crikelair of East Stroudsberg PA, Robert (wife Sunmi) Sheldon of Huntsville AL, Daniel (wife Debbie) Sheldon of Barto PA, Susan (husband Dan) Obenschain of Elverson PA, and Sarah ( husband Dave) Feiser of Havertown PA; 37 grandchildren and four grandchildren-in-law; four great-grandchildren; and his siblings, the Rev. Louis P. Sheldon and Mrs. Betty J. Wright.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Anna S. Dowa and Janet S. Stover.
The viewing will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at The Labs Funeral Home, 141 Pequea Ave., Honey Brook, Pa. 19344. Calling time at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral at 10 a.m. will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian Church, 1648 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA, 19343. Interment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made in memory of Rev. Ben Sheldon to Interserve (www.interserveusa.org) or Chester County Pro-Life Coalition (www.chescoprolife.org).
Please visit www.thelabsfh.com for additional information