William Jerry Shelton Sr.

William Jerry Shelton Sr., 88, of Pinetop, Arizona, died Sunday, September 30, 2007 from complications resulting from an abdominal aorta aneurysm that he suffered on July 1st. Jerry was born January 11, 1919 in Granbury, TX to James Herbert and Myrtie Carnelius May Shelton, was raised in Fort Worth, Texas and graduated valedictorian of his senior class at Peabody, KS. He served in the US Army Air Corp. as a WWII pilot and held the rank of Lieutenant. After discharge from the service, he went to work for the Federal Aviation Agency as an air traffic controller at Meachum Field in Fort Worth then transfered to Love Field in Dallas and moved his family to Irving, TX. Jerry retired at age 55, earned an associates degree, then he and his wife moved to his beloved White Mountains of Arizona where he was able to enjoy many wonderful years pursuing his hobby of fishing for trout. Jerry's wife Mary Jo, was a victim of a Polio epidemic in 1949. From that time to her death, Jerry was her sole caregiver. Anyone who witnessed this, learned the true meaning of total commitment. That trait along with his integrity and wisdom was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren.Funeral services          2:00 PM, Monday, October 8, 2007 in the Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel.Interment        Oakland Cemetery.Visitation           4 to 6 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Nephew Paul Shelton officiating.Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jo , who died at home on May 29, 2007, and his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.Survivors include two daughters, Jerri Shelton and husband David Muska and Vicki Carper and husband Bob all of San Antonio, TX; son, William Jerry "Bill" Shelton Jr. and wife Pam of Midland, TX; two sisters, Helen Wooten and husband Raynaud of Fort Worth and Gloria Knstrick; two brothers, Julian Shelton and wife Gladys and Spencer Shelton and wife Mary, all of Fort Worth; two granddaughters; Elizabeth Wren and Alexis Holloway; two great grandchildren, Ripley Wren and Iyan Wren; seventeen nieces and nephews and his dear friend and relation, Alice Sliger, age 100, and her son, Ted Sliger of Mesa, AZ.