Robert Spencer Shelton

Robert (known as Bob to friends and family) was born July 2, 1933, to Perry Wayne and Mary Morrow Shelton in Waco, TX. He grew up in the Bellmead area, attending La Vega ISD schools where his father was the superintendent of schools. Robert was a gifted four-sport athlete; quarterback for the football team, captain of the basketball team, track team member, and a tennis star. In 1950, he graduated from high school at the young age of 16. He entered Baylor University, where he played basketball for the Baylor Bears his freshman year, was a member of the Tryon Coterie fraternity serving as their President his senior year, was a member of the Air Force ROTC, and graduated in 1955 with a BBA in Accounting.

Upon graduation, he commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, flying the F-86 Sabre fighter jet. While stationed at Laredo AFB, TX, he met the love of his life Dixie, on a blind date arranged by her sister Carole and husband Eddie Leeson, his fellow Class 56-V, 3641st Pilot Training Squadron-Mate. After a whirlwind courtship, including a proposal over the telephone and the delivery of her engagement ring via the U.S. Mail, Dixie and Bob were married April 20, 1957 in Princeton, WV.

In February 1958, upon his honorable discharge as a 1st lieutenant from the 93rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS) of Kirkland AFB, NM, he began his professional career as a salesman at Marchant Calculators. In 1960, he left Marchant Calculators to begin his tenure at Texaco Inc. as a staff accountant in the Dallas office. In 1966, due to his quick mind and attention to detail, he became the personal assistant to the Comptroller at Texaco’s corporate headquarters in New York, NY. In 1969, at the age of 36, he was appointed Assistant Comptroller, becoming the youngest assistant comptroller in Texaco’s history. He was a pioneer in data processing and with his leadership, Texaco’s Financial Reporting System (FRS) was implemented, helping Texaco take and maintain a leadership position on EDI, while laying the groundwork for the BPQI initiative. He was also a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the national Accounting Fraternity. On March 1, 1994, he retired from Texaco after 34 years of distinguished service.

Bob was a deeply devoted Christian and member of Second Baptist Church in Houston, TX. His faith in Christ guided him daily and he served as a deacon in several of the previous churches where he was a member.

His enthusiasm and devotion for his alma mater Baylor was apparent to all. Robert was a season ticket holder for his Baylor Bears including the men’s and women’s basketball teams, and football teams. In 2005, the Baylor Alumni Association honored the Perry and Mary Shelton Family with its First Families of Baylor Award, having had four generations of Baylor graduates.

Bob was also an avid golfer with a 12 handicap. He played 3-4 times a week with his senior golfing buddies at Willow Fork Country Club. A rabid Astros fan, he was thrilled they made it to this year’s World Series with his favorite player, Kyle Tucker, catching a foul ball for the final out of game 6, clinching the 2022 World Series Championship.

Giving back to the community by helping out those who were in need was deeply important to Bob. He supported the Boys and Girls Country of Houston, Star of Hope of Houston, the Salvation Army, and most importantly Mission: Dignity; providing financial assistance to retirement-age Southern Baptist ministers, workers and their widows. He and Dixie also set up the Robert S. and Dixie A. Endowed Scholarship Fund in Accounting at Baylor University as well as the Dixie and Robert Shelton endowed scholarship for the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Hornor, and sister Virginia Blakely. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dixie; his daughter Stephanie Shelton Sims and husband Collins of Canton, GA; son Stephen Shelton and wife Elizabeth of Westport, CT; and daughter Shannon Shelton Boccard of Lyon, France; grandchildren Sarah Sims Verrill and husband Jay, Anna and Jared Sims; Ashley McGowan and husband Matt McGowan, Luke and Samuel Shelton; Alexandre, Charlotte and Jules Boccard; great-grandchildren Brooks Verrill and Luna McGowan. He is also survived by his older brother John Shelton and wife Doris, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation with reception will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston TX 77079.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, December 1, 2022, in the Hankamer Chapel at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77057, with a reception to follow.

A private burial service with full Military Honors will follow at Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert’s name may be made to Mission: Dignity c/o Guidestone Financial Resources, P.O. Box 819109, Dallas, TX 75381-9109 or online at www.missiondignity.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Shelton family.