Whitsitt Myles Shelton Jr.

Whitsitt Myles Shelton, Jr., “Whit,” died peacefully in his sleep on February 5, 2016. He was born on March 2, 1927, in Waco, Texas, to Whitsitt and Lula Mae Wakefield Shelton. During WWII he served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific, before being posted to Shanghai, China until the Communist takeover, then served his country again during the Korean conflict. Whit was a proud graduate of Baylor University and a 50-year member of the Boy Scouts, serving in various roles as an adult Scouter. He was a Mason for more than 50 years and a member of First Baptist Church, Arlington, a lifelong Baptist and devout follower of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his brother Arnold Shelton and his wife Louise. Whit is survived by his wife of more than 65 years, Katy McGregor Shelton, his brother Tate Shelton and his wife Mary Nell, his sons Myles Shelton and wife Gail, Mark Shelton and wife Mary Ann, and Mikel Shelton and wife Valorie, as well as ten grandchildren: April Shelton Galyardt (and husband Jason), Rhys Shelton, Robert Shelton, Richard Shelton, Andrew Shelton, Peter Shelton, Elizabeth Shelton, Christopher Shelton, Craig Shelton and Collin Shelton, and four great grandchildren.

Whit took his boys on Scout treks and campouts. He came to see their halftime performances in the band at Lamar High School football games and later when they all attended Baylor University and marched in the band there, supporting all their activities. He and Katy were always there when needed. They babysat for grandchildren while the parents were out of town, or even out of the country. They went to more football games and concerts and plays. He attended ten Eagle Scout courts of honor and one Girl Scout Gold Award ceremony, and would have been at the eleventh next month for the youngest grandson had fate not intervened. Whit was the best example of a father and grandfather anyone could hope to know, and we can only hope the next generations will live up to his example.

Visitation is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday February 8 at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 N. Davis, in Arlington. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 9 in the South Chapel at the same location.