Dexter Atwood Sholar

Dexter Atwood Sholar, 96, of Godfrey, Illinois passed away on August 30, 2024 with his family by his side. He was born on April 2, 1928 in Dover, Tennessee, the son of Emit Henry and Rutha Belle (Chadwick) Sholar. He graduated from Rittman High School in Rittman, Ohio. After graduation in 1946 Dexter joined the United States Army Air Corps which became the United States Air Force serving until 1954. Dexter was trained as a radio operator/repairman and became proficient in the use of Morse Code. While stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines Dexter participated in the historic non-stop airborne circumnavigation of the Earth by Lucky Lady II, a B-50A bomber with Dexter communicating via Morse Code in the coordination of the mid-air refueling between two planes. He served in Morocco and also received the WWII Victory medal. Dexter’s final tour in the Air Force was as an instructor in the radio school at Scott Air Force Base. He married Norma Lee Schelle on December 23, 1950 at Scott Air Force Base. In 1954 Dexter went to work for Illinois Bell Telephone and spent his entire career working for various spin offs of AT&T retiring in 1990. In 1974 Dexter and Norma became the owners of Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken in Alton until Norma's retirement in1998. Dexter was an excellent billiards player and avid coin collector. He also raised and raced homing pigeons and enjoyed his beagles. Norma preceded him in death on March 2, 2013 after 62 years of marriage. He is survived by his children Michael “Elwood” Sholar, Richard “Hawk” Sholar, John (Shannon) Sholar, Katherine “Kat” (Mike) Brunaugh, Sandra “Sam” Rynders, and Rhonda (Paul) Elmendorf. Grandchildren: Michael Sholar Jr., Matthew Sholar, Megan Sholar, Amy (John Schleeper) Sholar, Edward “Eddie” (Betsy Allen) Sholar Jr., Maggie (Phil Adams) Sholar, Katherine (Chris) Wilson, Danielle (Mick) McCahill, Richard Sholar Jr., John (Lauri) Sholar, Jr. , Andrew (Randi) Sholar, Judson (Barbara) Corby, Trae Corby, Jason (Nikki) Brunaugh, Jenna (Brad) Kaczmarski, C. Joseph (Erin) Rynders, Frances (Chris) Wilson, Lewis Rynders, Dylan Elmendorf, Maxwell (Emma) Elmendorf, and Dexter Elmendorf. Great grandchildren: Sadie (Kaz Johnson) Lupercio, Joseph (Kinley) Lupercio, Abigail (Carter) Austin, Sarah Sholar, Charlie Sholar, Grace (Dylan) Moody, Emma Wilson, Trenton Wilson, Alison Wilson, Maizy McCahill, Nikhil Sholar, Vivian Sholar, Henry August Sholar, Bennett Sholar, Adelynn Sholar, Royce Sholar, Kolton Corby, Charlotte Corby, Sydney Brunaugh, A.J Brunaugh, Izabell Brunaugh, J.J. Kazmarski, Mason Wilson, Lockelan Farlow, and Charlotte Rynders. Great-great grandchildren are Kaz Johnson Jr., Lucy Lupercio, Sunny Austin, and Malakai Moody. Dexter is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family including Peg Schelle, Jim Westbrook, Gary Herron, Michelle Sholar, Sarah Woodman, Brenda Smith, Tina Cottingham, Christi Boss, Chris Rynders, and Jim Corby. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by two infant children, a son Edward “Fast Eddie” Sholar Sr., and a great-great granddaughter Lorelai Grace Moody; siblings Maggie (Monroe) Anderson, Teriece (J.B.) Shirley, Henry L. (Geneva) Sholar, Jud (Mildred) Sholar, and Franklin Sholar; in-laws Arthur Thomas Schelle, Barbara and Leon Little, Nancy Westbrook, and Linda Herron. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service with Father Don Roberts at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Burial will follow at Valhalla Cemetery in Godfrey. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion provided by the staff of St. Anthony’s Hospital and Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Memorial donations may be made to the VFW, St. Mary's Catholic Church, or the charity of one's choice. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends and family may visit our website at www.gentfuneralhome.com to view service information or to leave condolences to the family.

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Dexter Atwood Sholar

April 2, 1928 - August 30, 2024