Robert Lee Short, 88, passed away on Thursday, December 28th surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Plymouth, IN on March 17th, 1935 to Wilbur and Della (Kason) Short. He graduated from Plymouth High School where he was an outstanding athlete and Eagle Scout.

Bob met his wife Mary Selle at Ball State University and they married in 1957. After graduation they moved to Ft. Wayne to pursue teaching careers. Bob started teaching at Harrison Hill Jr. High and opened Portage Jr. High as the industrial arts instructor and football coach and spent his summers as one of the original Wildcat Baseball Directors. He then opened Snider High School in 1964 and taught there until his retirement in 1998. Bob was truly exceptional and passionate in his teaching abilities to inspire and motivate students to pursue trades outside the classroom environment.

After retirement, Bob enjoyed ushering at the Coliseum where he encountered many of his former students. It wasn't uncommon for them to come up and share the positive impact he had on them and how he helped shape their lives. His former students and family members alike will never forget Bob's strong hands. Bob would quickly get the attention of his students by tearing the Ft. Wayne phonebook in half at the start of each school year. He would also bring family members to their knees with his "death grip" handshake during the sign of peace at church or just to prove a point.

What was deceptively simple and overwhelmingly true about Bob was that he just wanted to make others happy. He was a man of few words, one who accepted little, and gave everything selflessly.

Bob set an example to others for his integrity, loyalty, and work ethic. There wasn't anything Bob wouldn't do to help others, and he did just that. All who knew Bob marveled about all he was and all he did.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary (Selle), his daughter, Susan Snyder (Wayne), his son, Scott Short (Robert Stipicevich), two grandsons, Matt Snyder (Sarah), Chris Snyder (Kelsey), and four great-grandchildren.

At his request, there will be no calling or service. A family celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to an educational scholarship fund set up by the family to honor their parent's combined 76 years of teaching in the Ft. Wayne Community Schools. Scholarships will be awarded through the Anthis Career Center to students pursuing a trade career or early childhood education. Contributions may be sent to the Short Educational Scholarship Fund in care of the Divine Mercy Funeral Home: 3500 Lake Ave., Ft. Wayne, IN 46805.