Orvil K. Shelton
Orvil K. Shelton, 85, of Evansville, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, at Heritage Center.
Orvil was born April 23, 1923, in Evansville, to Orvil and Delta (Hart) Shelton. He was a 1942 graduate of Bosse High School and a 1946 graduate of the National Radio Institute, and attended Mississippi State College. Orvil was a veteran of the United States Army Air Force, serving during WWII. He retired from Whirlpool in 1984, after 42 years as a Customer Assurance Engineer. Orvil was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and was an Audio Visual Director. He also attended Men's Sunday school class.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wilma "Ruth" (Wiedenfeld) Shelton, of Evansville; two daughters, Kathy Hammers and her husband, Merle, of Chandler, Ind., and Ellen Shelton of Evansville; one son, Kenneth Shelton and his wife, Mary, of Naperville, Ill.; three grandchildren, Stephanie Decker and Amy and Andy Shelton; three great-grandchildren, Rachel, Nicholas and Ryan Decker; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at Boone Funeral Home, East Chapel, 5330 Washington Avenue, with Pastor Dan Sigler and Pastor Allan Pollock officiating. Private burial will be in Salem - Sayers Cemetery in Adkins, Texas. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Sept. 8, 2008, at Boone Funeral Home, East Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 808 South East Third Street, Evansville, Indiana 47713.
September 8, 2008
Dearest Aunt Ruth and Cousins Ellen, Kathy, Kenny and your Families, Heaven has gained another Angel with Uncle Orvil's leaving this Earth. He will be sorely missed here but we all know he was welcomed to sit at Jesus' side by so many we love that went before. I will always remember his sunny personality and wonderful sense of humor. I cannot pass a "Drive Friendly" sign without being reminded of his cheesy grin! I hope that your memories will bring you comfort. Love always, Barbara Trammell (Conroe, TX)
September 8, 2008
Ellen, Sorry for the loss of your father, My dad and Orvil were friends as they both attended Calvary Baptist Church, Our condolences to you and your family, George Galbraith (Evansville, IN)
September 8, 2008
To the Family, I am so sorry for your loss… It was a pleasure taking care of him and seeing the love between him and Mrs. Shelton he will be greatly missed… My heart goes out to you. You all are in my prayers. God Bless. Tamye Dardeen (Evansville, IN)
September 8, 2008
Ellen, I am very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I will always remember how warm and inviting your parents were. I remember how I would go into their room and have LONG talks with them every night before I would go home. You are a wonderful daughter and I enjoyed talking with you also. God will watch over them and you. Amber Bone (Evansville, IN)
September 8, 2008
My prays & thoughts are with the family at this time. Even though I had not cared for Orvil or his wife very long the love they shared was so beautiful He will be truly missed. I look forward to continuing to care for his wife. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. Darryl Cruz QMA (Evansville, IN)
September 8, 2008
Aunt Ruth, Ken, Kathy, Ellen and others, Valerie and I are so very sad to hear of Uncle Orvil's home going, not for him, but for the rest of us. We will have to wait to see him again in that most majestic place of all family reunions. Uncle Orvil's faith has provided a new place for his spirit to dwell now that his time on this earth is done. He has left for us an example, a love for others that was full and genuine. For me memories of him span half a century or more. He will always hold a fond place in my heart and mind and he will be terribly missed by many. We pray in concert with you for comfort to follow his passing from this world to the place that Jesus has prepared. Allan Hastings (Dallas, TX)
September 8, 2008
Atta Boy Orv. I told you that things would get better. There were some tough times since we stood with you at your wedding, but all is well now Bill and Betty Hastings (McQueeney, TX)
September 8, 2008
Ruth, Although we haven't seen Orville and you for years, your memory and the memory of the "Ruby Kids" remains very vivid. Being an only child in the Beck family was made much easier by the love of all of my cousins. God Bless you. George & Collice Hawkins (Nederland, Texas, TX)
September 8, 2008
Dear Ellen, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. I knew your dad and family and when I remember the times we shared, it always brings a smile to my face. He was a blessing to everyone he met. Winona Jackson (Evansville, IN)
September 8, 2008
We will miss Uncle Orvil, but know he's having one heck of a reunion in heaven. Collen & Michael Kelley (Georgetown & Rockdale, TX)
September 8, 2008
Ellen and Family, Thank you for allowing me to care for Orvil and Ruth these past few months. I looked forward to seeing Orvil as he has such a wonderful sense of humor. The stories he and Ruth would tell always left me smiling. The love between them was inspirational. Again, thank you for the privilege of caring for him and Ruth. Tonya Kincaide, LPN
September 8, 2008
Nothing is lost when so many fond memories exist of time gone by. We will always remember the good times. Our love for Orvil and the Shelton family will never fade. Memory is a gift of God that death cannot destroy. George and Frances Hastings (San Antonio, TX)
September 8, 2008
Aunt Ruth, and family; I will miss Uncle Orvil, we had many good times together. May the lord be with you at this most difficult time. Love, Brian & Gladys Hastings (San Antonio, TX)
September 9, 2008
Lisa and I and the girls rejoice with you as we know that Uncle Orvil is now eternally rejoicing in the presence of our Lord. I have many fond memories of times shared with the Shelton family and look forward to the day when we can all be reunited with Uncle Orvil. May our Lord's grace and peace always sustain us. Roger and Lisa, Aubrey, Sydney, Shayne and Reagan Hastings (San Antonio, TX)
September 9, 2008
Sweetest Aunt Ruth, and dearest cousins Ken, Kathy, and Ellen: Your Dad will always have a special place in my heart for so many reasons: among them his kind and loving nature, devotion to family, unwavering faith, and unfailing sense of humor. Since childhood, I've never been able to pass through Hondo, Texas, without thinking fondly of Uncle Orvil. Especially when passing that particular road sign. You probably remember it: The one that declares 'This is God's country, please don't drive through it like. . . .' well, you know what. Your Dad would laugh and smile as we read the message aloud, in unison, all the while keeping his foot firmly on the gas while your Mom worked her imaginary brake pedal on the passenger side of the front seat. I knew there would be good times at Alto Frio if Uncle Orvil was along. Who else would engage me in a late night dip-eating contest; or kill a snake that had gotten into the cabin and then place it in a jar of rubbing alcohol to take back to Indiana? I have many cherished memories of times spent with him, and I wish I could be with you all now to hear the many stories you must be hearing (and telling) of life with Orvil K. Shelton, an American original. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you give his gentle soul to God. All my love, Tina Hultgren (San Antonio, TX)
September 9, 2008
Today as I reflect back over my life, I count the many blessings that the Lord has given me. Among the blessings, my brother in law Orvil, has earned one of the top spots. Beautiful man, nothing more need be said. My prayers go out to my dear sister Ruth, nephew Ken, nieces Kathy and Ellen and their families. God bless, peace be with you. Victor Wiedenfeld (San Antonio, TX)
September 9, 2008
Our sympathy goes out to your family. A little over 23 years ago, Orvil and Ruth both helped out at our wedding at Calvary, Orvil doing the sound & audio and Ruth taking care of setting up for our reception. We have great memories of that day thanks to both - and a great video thanks to Orvil. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Carol & Steve Stalions (Fort Wayne, IN)
September 10, 2008
Stephanie - I am so sorry to hear of your families loss. I have great memories of both of your grandparents from us growing up together. I know that he will be missed however trust in Gods promise that we will all be together again someday. Love You ~ Angie Ashbrook (Evansville, IN)
September 11, 2008
My heart goes out to the loss, of Uncle Orvil... Memories come to mind of a trip we all took while they were visiting here in San Antonio to LBJ Ranch, Uncle Orvil and Aunt Ruth seemed to enjoy them self... I can still recollect their smiles... May God wrap His loving arms around Aunt Ruth, Ellen, Kathy and those I failed to mention. Mary Wiedenfeld (San Antonio, TX)
September 11, 2008
Dear Aunt Ruth, and to my cousins Ken, Kathy, and Ellen, Even though I was only around Uncle Orvil at a young age, I will always remember his sweet spirit and sense of humor. He always made us laugh. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight". David Wiedenfeld (Dallas, TX)
September 12, 2008
I have many wonderful memories of the Shelton Family. The Sheltons quickly became wonderful friends when we moved to Newburgh the summer before my sophomore year in high school. In fact, they played a direct role in us becoming members of Calvary Baptist Church. Our Texas friends who had previously lived in Evansville knew the Shelton’s and put us in contact with them. My family and I had many memorable times at Calvary Baptist Church that I will always cherish. What I remember the most about Orvil Shelton was his incredible sense of humor. He loved to make you laugh. What an incredible person he was! Ruth and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Cindy Lott (Freeman) (Dallas, TX)
Dear Aunt Ruth and cousins, Kenny, Kathy and Ellen, My sincerest sympathy to you all in the passing of Uncle Orvil. I remember fondly all of our fun at our grandparents' cabin in Santa Claus, IN. Uncle Orvil taught us so much about the outdoors and he was always so much fun. He was such a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church and they were certainly fortunate in having him as their Audio Visual Director. May God bless you and help you in this difficult time. Judy (Taylor) Hubregs (Arlington, TX)
