David Shattles

David Shattles, 86, Lifelong Educator David Shattles, former principal, guidance counselor and teacher, died Aug. 17, 2026, surrounded by family at Community Hospice Care Center. He was 86. Mr. Shattles came from a family of educators and inspired his own children and grandchildren to continue in that tradition. While serving in the Ashland Independent School District, Mr. Shattles was recognized as Administrator of the Year for 1989-1990 as guidance counselor at George M. Verity Middle School awarded by Eastern Kentucky Music Educators Association (EKMEA) and Principal of the Year for 1997-1998 as principal at Hager Elementary School awarded by Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC). He also held positions as science teacher at Verity Middle School and principal at Poage Elementary School, both in Ashland, and as chemistry teacher at Amelia High School, near Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Shattles believed learning continued outside the classroom. As science teacher at Verity Middle School, he took students on backpacking trips on the Appalachian Trail over spring break several times, and as principal at Poage, he invited students who achieved reading goals to attend a campout at his farm in Rush, Ky. One of the highlights of those campouts was making ice cream using homemade ice cream makers crafted from nested coffee cans, ice and rock salt. It was a sight to see students rolling the ice cream makers around the big grassy field in front of Mr. Shattles’ house. In addition to inspiring students, Mr. Shattles was known for inspiring future educators. Many teachers who went on to serve in the Ashland Schools will tell you that it was David Shattles who suggested they make their career in education and then mentored them as they stepped onto that path. Perhaps the most pioneering step in Mr. Shattles’ educational career was when he served as GED Coordinator and later Director of Education with Project Newgate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Summit, Kentucky. Project Newgate was a groundbreaking federal program, one of only five in the nation, that brought college-level education to incarcerated young men. Mr. Shattles believed passionately the then-radical idea that education could offer young men a genuine second chance. Mr. Shattles was happiest when he was outdoors—hiking, canoeing, cutting down trees for firewood or for furniture making, or just watching the hummingbirds compete for a perch at the feeder that hung next to his porch. He was also an avid woodworker, and his works of practical art decorate the homes of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A longtime member of Plaza Community Church of the Nazarene, Mr. Shattles taught Sunday School classes, served on the Board, led outreach programs and went on mission service trips. After retirement from education, he became a Gideon. His faith was foundational to his life and was reflected in everything he did. Mr. Shattles was born October 10, 1939 in Hopkinsville, KY, but his home was Eastern Kentucky, where he spent most of his life—growing up in Ashland, raising his family in the same house he grew up in and later moving to his farm in Rush, Ky. Mr. Shattles earned an B.S. in chemistry from the University of Kentucky and a Master’s Degree in education from Xavier University. He also served in the U.S. Marines. Mr. Shattles is survived by his wife Stella Taylor Shattles and daughters Sabrina Shattles (Duane Day), Lucretia Voigt, and Erin Gullett (Matt); grandchildren: Chelsea Larsson Zee, Naomi Larsson, Erik Larsson, Cooper Voigt, Hunter Gullett, Hailie Adkins, and Holbrook Voigt; great grandchildren: Eva, Audrey, Eleanor, Axel, Owen, Ruby and Isaac; sisters: Billie Sue Jones and Dottie Jones. He was preceded in death by his son Brent Shattles and sister Patricia Pollitt. Visitation is Thursday, Aug. 20, 6-8 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home in Ashland and a memorial service will be held at Miller Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers and due to allergies, the family requests donations be made to Ashland Community Kitchen, 2516 Carter Ave, Ashland, KY 41101. Condolences may be shared on the Miller Funeral Home website, www.mfhfuneralhome.com.

David Shattles

October 10, 1939 - August 17, 2026