Gerald Lee Shelton, age 82, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on February 22, 2019, while surrounded by his loving family. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 13, 1936, to Willie Dee and Lennie Shelton. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and one son, Gerald Andrew. He isContinue Reading
Gerald Lee Shelton, age 82, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on February 22, 2019, while surrounded by his loving family. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 13, 1936, to Willie Dee and Lennie Shelton.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and one son, Gerald Andrew. He is survived by his wife, Carol of 62 years, along with their 3 sons; Randy (Rachel), Donny (Diane), and Scott (Melissa), four granddaughters; Corbin, Emma, Gracie, and Maddie, along with four step grandchildren, five step great grandchildren and one sister Carol Ruth.
After meeting in high school, Carol and Gerald married and moved to Springfield in 1963 as co-founders of Ozark Fire Extinguisher. In 1969, the couple co-founded Fire Master Fire Apparatus where he sold fire trucks and developed several unique firefighting apparatus for fire brigades at McDonnell Douglas, Ford and General Motors.
Some of his greatest pleasures in life included hunting, fishing and flying his planes. He accomplished a multi engine and instrument rating with over 5,000 flight hours. However, his greatest joy was serving his Lord and Savior, family and community. He was always actively helping others and serving in his church. As a member of First Church of the Nazarene, he served as a board member, committee leader, usher and many volunteer positions. While attending James River Church, he was very active in the “I Love America” Fourth of July celebration outreach as well as evaluating home repairs for the church’s construction teams. He also served his community as a Greene County Reserve Deputy and volunteered on many area major fires with his time and assets. For those who knew him, they knew that, anyone in need was a friend indeed.
Gerald’s celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with Reverend Mark Wright officiating. . Burial will be Greenlawn Memorial Gardens following the service. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to Convoy of Hope.
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