Douglas E Shelton Sr.

Douglas E. Shelton, Sr. was born in Hughes, OK on August 11, 1921 and achieved salvation and joined his beloved wife, Ann, on August 23, 2013. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 27th from 9 – 10 AM at McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home, 11924 E. 47th St., KC, MO. Service will begin at 10 AM with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Doug’s mother was Dutch German and his father was English and Cherokee Indian. He was very proud of his Native American heritage. Doug grew up in southeastern Oklahoma. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, MO. One of his close classmates was Margaret Truman Daniels, the daughter of President Harry S. Truman. Doug used to receive visits from the former President after he retired from public office and moved back to his hometown of Independence.

Doug joined the Army in 1942 and became a member of the Army Air Corps. He was a decorated soldier in WWII during which he served as a P-51 Mustang pilot. As a very young boy, Doug knew he wanted to become a pilot when he saw his first plane fly over the fields of Poteau, OK. He sold his first plane to purchase a home for the love of his life, Ann. He married Ann in September, 1950 and they were married for 61 years until her death in February, 2011. Throughout his life, Doug was an avid photographer, artist, and writer. There are reams of his thoughts and writings throughout the years, as well as numerous paintings and an enormous amount of photo albums. He was a harmonica player, which fascinated his children. He was also a great sportsman, traveling all over the world with his wife and family. Most important of all, he loved watching his children and grandchildren in their school activities and sports. Besides being a private and commercial pilot, Doug was an auto salesman in Independence for approximately 40 years. He was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen Association, the Missouri Pilots Association & the Independence Optimist Club to name a few. Doug was a true representation of the greatest generation. To his family and friends, his most endearing accomplishments in life besides his devotion to his wife, God, and country was his incredible sense of humor and high moral standard. One of the rarest things that man ever does is to do the best he can. Doug was a rare man who always did his best and made the most out of his life. He set the example for all of us to be the best we could be.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother Agnes Phillips, his father Dewey Shelton, his sister Patsy Boulware, his wife Ann Shelton and his brother-in-law Raymond “Bud” Mundy. He is survived by his three children, Debbie Ambrose (Greg), Douglas E. Shelton, Jr. (Stephannie), and Donna Thomas; his sister Judy Collins of Parker, CO; his two sisters-in-law, Flora Mundy and Shirley Grampsas (Denny); seven grandchildren, Katie Suisman (Tony), Christopher Thomas, Brian Thomas, Matthew Ambrose (Melanie), Michael Ambrose, Douglas E. Shelton III, and Abby Shelton; two great-granddaughters, Hailey Suisman and Natalie Suisman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Doug’s kindness, love for life, and laughter will be greatly missed.

The family especially thanks Dr. Gerald Williams of KCIM for his incredible care and friendship with Doug over many years. Thanks also to Sunrise Assisted Living of Overland Park, KS for providing a loving and fun atmosphere that Doug enjoyed as well as the friends he made. Also, thank you to VITAS Hospice Care for the comfort they provided Doug in his final days on earth. In honor of Dr. Gerald Williams, the family suggests contributions to the American Red Cross.