Walden Ellwood Shelton Sr.

Walden lived a life marked by dedication to his community, family and country. Walden graduated from Alamo Heights High School and furthered his education at Trinity University in San Antonio. He honorably served in the United States Merchant Marines during World War II–both in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters–and was inducted as a Shellback in the Court of King Neptune when he crossed the equator and was also a member of the Order of the Ditch when he crossed the Panama Canal. He continued his service in the United States Army 10th Mountain Division during the Korean Conflict as a Master Sergeant.

Professionally, Walden dedicated over 25 years to USAA in San Antonio, after initially working at Fireman’s Fund, earning his Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter Designation. He was a respected member of the Beitel Lutheran Church in San Antonio for 73 years, where he was deeply involved in the community.

Walden was passionate about traveling, hunting, fishing, was an avid train collector and held a private pilot’s license. These hobbies brought him great joy and enriched his life in many ways.

He was very active with the Masons. He was with the Davy Crockett Lodge for 70 years in San Antonio as a Past Master Mason. He went on to become a Past High Priest within the Royal Arch Masons San Antonio Council; followed by becoming the Past Thrice Illustrious of the Master Cryptic Mason in the San Antonio Army Chapter; followed by becoming the Past Commander of the Knights Templar in San Antonio; and, finally, a member of the Knights of the York Cross of Honour Texas Priority No 23 in Waco, Texas. In addition, he was a member of the Mason Helotes Council and Chapter, and a member of the Brownwood Knights Templar in Boerne.

He is survived by his son, Judge Walden Shelton, Jr and his wife Michelle; and his granddaughter, Nicole Ann Shelton. Walden was preceded in death by his parents, Dr Herbert and Ida Shelton; brother, Bernarr Shelton and his wife Joy; sister, Willowdeen Rossner and husband Louis; and his beloved wife of 49 years, Ann Rossner Shelton.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 9:30am, followed by the funeral service at 10:30am at the Beitel Lutheran Church, 2515 Austin Highway, San Antonio. A burial service will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio. A reception will occur after the burial service at the Beitel Lutheran Church.