Donald Sheline

Donald P. Sheline, 94, of Goshen, died on August 7, 2026, at Waterford Crossing.

A native of Elkhart County, he was born May 9, 1932, to Gordon and Clara (Howard) Sheline, having lived most of his youth in the Millersburg area.

On Nov. 19, 1951, he married Carolyn Saggars. A short time later he was inducted into the Army during the Korean War. After his discharge from the Army, he farmed, served as a United Methodist minister in several local churches, Benton Township Trustee for two terms and Benton Township Advisory Board. He was also employed by Elkhart County as the Director of Traffic and later as the Safety Manager, spanning 32 years of employment. While serving the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Dept. he started the Sheriff’s Chaplain Program, serving as Chaplain for the department. In 1976 he was appointed by Gov. Bowen to serve as the first Indiana State Police Chaplain for District 21 and the Indiana Toll Road District, covering six counties. Several years later upon the closing of the Ligonier Post, he was transferred to the new Bremen Post where he continued to serve. In October of 1992, Indiana State Police Supt. Lloyd R. Jennings appointed him an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel for his faithful service to the Indiana State Police. He continued to serve until his time of passing.

His schooling included Millersburg High School, Purdue University, DePauw University and Garrett Seminary at Northwestern University.

He was well known for his watercolor paintings and drawings. He was also an avid antique car collector, being a member of the Elkhart Vintage Auto Club for many years.

He was active in community affairs and received many awards including the Minister of the Year Award for Indiana, Outstanding Community Service Award, Service Citation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Soil and Conservation Service awards, Traffic Engineering and Safety awards and Distinguished Secretary for Kiwanis International award.

Surviving are his wife Carolyn (Saggars) Sheline; a son, Thomas Sheline; a grandson, Garrett Sheline; a sister, ZoAnn Myers, Goshen and a brother, David “Rick” Sheline, Battleground, Washington.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Nicolai and a brother, Gordon Sheline Jr.

Friends may call Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 4:00-6:00pm at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. And again, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 10:00-10:30am with a funeral service beginning at 10:30am. First Goshen Church Pastor Jeff Bealmear; Pastor Harold Gingerich and Father Daniel Coffee Indiana State Police Chaplains will officiate.

Burial will follow at Brown Cemetery, Millersburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial gifts be directed to Goshen First Church or the Indiana State Police Chaplaincy Program.