July 30,1952 – June 24, 2018

Don Robert Shelton, 65, residence of St. Louis, MO, passed into the hands of God on June 24,2018; while recovering from stroke at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center. Don was born in St. Louis, MO on 07/30/1952, to Robert C. Shelton, of Crossville, Illinois.; and Vernielle Rud-Shelton, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert C. Shelton. He is survived by his loving mother, Vernielle “Benjie” Rud-Shelton; his sister Nanette Shelton-Boelloeni (Ronald); brothers, Mark D. Shelton, and Thomas C. Shelton; nieces, Renee Boelloeni, and Natalie Boelloeni; and nephew Robert (Heather) Boelloeni.

Don was baptized as an infant at Shaw United Methodist Church. Where he remained an active member in the mission of the church; giving of his time and efforts whenever possible. He was a lifelong resident of south St. Louis were his education began at Shenandoah Elementary school; he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1970.

Soon after he was very proud to enlist in US Air Force. Don received an honorable discharge; but not before sustaining trauma during active duty, which left him unable to maintain any kind of regular employment.

Although he suffered through challenges, he worked to be a kind, helpful, and caring person. Don was rich in the sense of having many friends, both new or old friends found that he always had time for them.

In his later years he was a resident of Tower Grove Manor along with his mother whom he helped care for. He not only made many more friends, but he was known to make several trips to the grocery store next door for other residents who were unable to make the trip themselves. Don was one of those individuals who gave his friendship unconditionally and expected noting in return.

The stroke he suffered did not seem especially serious and his recovery was progressing well at the Jefferson Barracks Rehabilitation Center; with his release expected in just two weeks.

Aside from his generosity & kindness, Don will be remembered for his unconditional support of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Of course, that is what real fans do cheering & supporting during good times and the bad. Don was certainly one of those that helped St. Louis earn the title “The best baseball fans in the World”. He was a longtime season ticket holder of not (1) or (2) tickets but (4) so that he could always ask family & friends to enjoy the game with him.

If you didn’t know what time or channel in or out of town the game was on, he was always there with the answer. As usual he was friends with other veterans and talking Cardinal baseball.

When our Lord called him home the only decision to be made concerning his final wishes, was how he could be of help to someone else now. We knew the gift of life was the answer through vital organ, body tissue, and eye donation with Mid-America Transplant services.

“God may have called you home sooner then we were ready but we know your singing with the angels now and keeping watch over us from above”.

The interment of his remains was Friday, July 20, 2018 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, July 22,2018, 3:00pm, at Tower Grove Manor, 2710 S. Grand, St. Louis, MO 63118.

Cardinal wear is acceptable, a memorable photograph would be welcomed.