SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Jerry Pete Shelton, 85, Shell Knob, Mo., died Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Mo., from COVID.
He was born June 13,1936, in LeRoy, the son of John Douglas and Freda Stokes. He was raised by Stacy Pete and Sadie Stokes. He received his education in several schools in several states due to living with his grandfather, who worked on a bridge gang for the railroad. He ended up at School of the Ozarks, now known as College of the Ozarks. He left school his junior year and joined the U.S Army, where he was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne, Company 503. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean War.
After his service, Jerry joined his grandfather in Osage City, where he met Bonnie Sue Brock in 1957. He and Bonnie were united in marriage June 5, 1960, in Osage City. They had no children.
Jerry worked several jobs until ending up at Universal Foods Corp. as a regional sales manager covering 13 states. He worked there for 35 years, retiring in 1997. At that time, he was the only employee who had been there that long. In 1997, he and Bonnie moved to Shell Knob, Mo., to make their home.
He was a member of the Shell Knob Lions Club, Central Crossing Masonic Lodge #674, Shell Knob Shrine Club and VFW Post 2203. He also volunteered at the Central Crossing Senior Center.
Some of Jerry’s favorite pastimes were traveling with Bonnie on their motorcycle, golfing, boating and taking cruises. He wanted to take just one more cruise, to make it 10, last year, but had to cancel due to COVID.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and three half brothers.
He is survived by his wife, of the home, and several cousins.
Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 28, at Fohn Funeral Home, Shell Knob, Mo., with a ceremony held by VFW Post 2203. Elder Jerry Arnold conducted the services. Visitation will be 10 a.m., prior to funeral services. Lunch will be served at the Shell Knob VFW following the service.
Burial with military honors will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, at Osage City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 2203, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Central Crossing Senior Center or Haven of the Ozarks.
Online condolences may be left at FohnFuneralHome.com.
