Clifford L. Shelby Jr.

Clifford L. Shelby, Jr. passed away on Friday, July 13, 2012, at 10:25 p.m. at home. He was born January 10, 1955 to Clifford L. Shelby, Sr. and Cynthia (Carol) Franklin-Shelby in Kansas City, Missouri.

He grew up in Oakford, attending and graduating from Taylor High School in 1973. He served four years in the Army, 1973-1977, as a tank specialist. He was stationed in Germany on the border during those years. He loved everything about tanks. Cliff was a hard working man. He worked at Chrysler Kokomo Transmission Plant since 1978. There was no one who was a better worker or provider then Cliff. He enjoyed working. He said it gave him a sense of fulfillment. He loved and collected Civil War memorabilia, especially things related to Abraham Lincoln. He was an avid Purdue fan and loved to torment, tease and pick on IU fans. Cliff was a laid back easy going man. He was happiest just being at home. In 1986, he became partner, friend and mate to Coleen L. Shelby, whom he later married on December 19, 1992 and became a dad to her son, Larry Curtis Johnson. Coleen liked to refer to Cliff as her 4C Shelby-cool, calm, collected, Cliff, and he remained that way all the way through to his death. Cliff was not a complainer, nor did he ever have a bad word for anyone. His smile was almost angelic, especially in the end. He was best friends with Katrina Smith, had a long time friendship with Bud Pearson, and a close relationship with his niece, Maria, and nephew, Isaac. He had a father-son relationship with his nephew, Doug L. Pearson and was close to his two princesses, Samantha and Brooke. He had lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved. He also had too many friends from Chrysler to mention them all.

He is survived by his wife, Coleen; his beloved Pomeranian, Ginger; his mother, Cynthia (Carol) Shelby; a brother, Edward Shelby and wife Lori; brother-in-law, Jerry Gilbert; a son, Andrew Charles Shelby, St. Louis, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Shelby, Sr.; sister, Shirley Anne Gilbert; son, Larry Curtis Johnson; nephew, Jeremy Shelby; paternal and maternal grandparents; and his beloved Pomeranian, Fox.

Services are scheduled at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home with Robert McGuire officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Cliff’s name to the American Cancer Society. Online messages of condolences may be made at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.