JERRY L. SHELTON

June 27, 1932 – January 29, 2022

Jerry was born in Springfield, Missouri to Joel Mark Shelton and Vesta Bell (Wright) Shelton. At the height of the depression, the family moved to Lamar, Missouri where they lived the majority of their lives. He learned to fly an airplane at the age of 16, which aided him in achieving his dream job of a pilot later in life.

Jerry graduated the University of Missouri in 1955 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. His career as a Marine pilot covered 31 years. He flew nearly all types of aircraft, but primarily the A-6 Intruder jet attack aircraft where he flew 177 combat missions in Vietnam. He also flew the C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft and the T-39 Sabreliner jet aircraft in the Marine Corps. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1986 with the rank of Colonel. This "devil dog" loved the Corps and missed it and flying dearly. During his retirement, he enjoyed travelling all over the United States in his motorhome with his wife of over 41 years, Fina Shelton.

He is survived by his wife, Fina Shelton; stepdaughter Darlene Gonzalez (Adan Gonzalez); his three grandchildren, Amanda (Bryant Noel), Autumn and Andrew. He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen S. Shelton and parents Joel and Vesta Shelton.