SHORTER (RET.), Col. David Aug 5, 1951 – May 12, 2017

BRAZIL – Colonel David Thomas Shorter (Ret.), 65, of Brazil, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family, following a brief battle with lung cancer. He was born Aug. 5, 1951, in Brazil, to Robert and Mary Madeline "Dixie" (Davis) Shorter. He married the love of his life, Brenda Helt, on June 6, 1976. David is survived by his wife and best friend of nearly 41 years, Brenda Shorter of Brazil; sons, Shawn Shorter of Terre Haute, and Brandon Shorter of Brazil; brother, Robert Shorter and wife Vicki of Brazil; grandchildren, Brinna Meadow Shorter and Ethan Zane Shorter; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Chad Shorter; and a brother, James Shorter. David was a 1969 graduate of Brazil High School. He graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business degree and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. David joined the Army National Guard of Indiana in 1971. He held many different positions during his years in the Army. In 2000, David took an assignment for the Indiana National Guard as controller. He then went on to become the director of State Operations from 2007 until his retirement in 2014. His military achievements and medals were many, including The Legion of Merit, seven Army Commendation Medals, two Indiana Distinguished Service Medals, Indiana Commendation Medal, Indiana Long Service Medal for 25 years, and many others. Most recently, David became a four time recipient of the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an Indiana civilian. David was a true family man. He liked coaching his boys in baseball, basketball, and football. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing poker and euchre with his buddies. David also enjoyed going to auctions and cruising in his Corvette. He was a loyal friend. His long time career in the National Guard led to many lifelong friendships. The guardsmen he served with were his second family and he truly loved his military brothers and sisters. David, along with Brenda, was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church. He was a devoted husband and loving father, grandpa, and Poppi. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him., Visitation will be Thursday, May 18, 2017, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, May 19, 2017, from 11 a.m. until the time of services at Roselawn Funeral Home, in Terre Haute. A funeral ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Robert Kumpf officiating. David will be laid to rest, with full military honors, in Roselawn Memorial Park, Terre Haute. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at: