Robert "Sam or Bob" E. Shinn

Robert E. “Sam or Bob” Shinn, 83, passed away at Mercer Health on September 19, 2025.

Born May 26, 1942, Sam was the son of Vernon “Bun” and Alice (Alt) Shinn, who both preceded him in death. On May 2, 1986, he married Terri (Monroe) Shinn, and together they built a family and life rooted in hard work and love for those around them.

Sam is survived by his wife, Terri; his daughters, Julia (Kevin) Miller, Lori (Mike) Suchland, Andrea (David) Green, and Jessica (John) Opdycke; and his cherished grandchildren, Chad Miller, Cary Miller, and Caitlyn (Ethan) Phlipot; Erin (Dan) Irons, Grant Suchland; Justin Green, Adam (Natalie) Green, Caleb Green; Andi and Sutton Opdycke; and five great-grandchildren.

He also leaves behind his siblings, Mary Lou Walter and Ben (Carolyn) Shinn; and in-laws Terry Shinn, Pat Rohler, Jerry Monroe, Larry Knapke, Linda Monroe, Jetta (Ed) Mutter; along with many nieces and nephews. His former wife, Karen Hoffman, resides in Celina.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Brad; in-laws Clifford and Jesselyn Monroe; brother, Larry Shinn; brothers-in-law Jim Walter, Jim Rohler, Jim Monroe, and Mike Costanzo; sisters-in-law Theresa Monroe and Martha Knapke; and niece Angie Sneddon.

A 1960 graduate of Celina High School, Sam worked for Celina Glass and Reynolds & Reynolds before starting his own business, Shinn Brothers, in 1974. He proudly led his company until his retirement in 2020, grateful for the many friendships he formed with employees and customers along the way.

In 1996, he developed Wheatland Acres, creating not just a neighborhood but a true community of friends and neighbors.

Sam had a fond love for all animals. He especially enjoyed horse racing, and in 2004 he built “Sam’s Place,” a horse barn that became a favorite gathering spot for family and friends. He adored his horses, Sammy and Jet, his barn cat, Betty, and his dog, Oats, who will forever remember his caring hands.

Sam will be remembered for his devotion to family, dedication to hard work, his generosity, and the deep friendships he carried throughout life.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Cisco Funeral Homes in Celina. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home, with Rev. Matt Overman officiating.

In honor of Sam’s love for construction, the family asks for donations to be made to the Tri Star Construction Program in lieu of flowers.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys are honored to care for Sam and his family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.ciscofuneralhome.com or on the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.