Shelton Quarles swiftly completed his appointed rounds for 40 years

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He might be one of the most recognizable faces in Kokomo. For 40 years, Shelton Quarles dutifully accepted letters and packages from anyone and everyone in the community who stopped in at the U.S. Postal Service’s office along South Webster Street.

He passed along good news and bad in carefully wrapped parcels, made sure the postage was correct. In short, he did his job. But he did so much more. He offered a humorous quip or two to get a smile. He listened intently as people filed through the office, sharing their high moments and their low ones.

Part therapist. Part entertainer. A man worthy of being considered a role model. And in May he set aside his career. Quarles retired from the Postal Service, but his friends and family weren’t about to let him go quietly. They filled the community room at the Carver Community Center to show their love and appreciation.

“I want to thank everybody for taking time out of their busy schedules,” said Quarles. “This is amazing. I mean, just all these connections that I've made here in Kokomo through my job. You guys have no idea.

“Probably 80 percent of the people I met in my job were absolutely, amazingly happy. Then, 10 percent of those people were unhappy, so I talked to them, and they taught me. I understood why they were unhappy. The other 10 percent? They're just mean. We got some mean people here in town!”

After the laughter subsided, Quarles went on to thank the many people who attended his party. He also made sure to express gratitude to his family for their support.

“I want to thank everyone of you who came in and shared your life with me,” said Quarles. “And I shared my life with you. I want to thank my family. I don't have one relative in the state of Indiana. So, when I married my wife, Stephanie, I inherited this amazing family Barnett, and I want to thank them. You guys are amazing.”

Quarles also made sure to recognize his fraternity brothers in the Mu Nu Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi who were in attendance at the celebration.

“When they start barking, don’t worry,” said Quarles. “They're not dogs. They’re harmless. They will not bite. These are my fraternity brothers.”

Quarles also thanked Ron Barsh and Jim Callane for sharing in the celebration.

But this may be the last time Kokomo sees Quarles. As related by his brother-in-law J.C. Barnett, the newly retired Quarles may try his hand in local politics. Only time will tell if that is a package he wants to deliver.