Fred L. Shelor

Fred L. Shelor was born in Bridger, Montana, on April 2, 1930. He spent most of his years growing up in Quincy, Illinois, with his father, Virden Shelor, and his mother, Mildred (Polen). Fred graduated from Quincy High School in June 1947 and received the Degree of Chevalier in DeMolay. He earned his Bachelor of Accounts degree from Gem City Business School. Fred worked at the CB&Q railroad and as an accountant with Dave McCormick Pontiac Agency before he enlisted in the Air Force in July 1951. He eventually transferred to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked until July 1955. Fred met Jeanne Woodhead and it was love at first sight. They were married at First Baptist Church of Omaha on January 16, 1955. Fred and Jeanne had two children - Jeri and Theresa (Bob), two grandchildren – Jennifer (Jay) and Joey (Kelsey), and three great-grandchildren – Oliver, Elliot, and Landon. They loved their family and enjoyed being with them.

In Quincy, Fred was an active member of Central Baptist Church. After they were married, Fred and Jeanne became members of First Baptist Church of Omaha. Their strong faith was reflected by the way they lived their lives, prayed, read their Bible, raised their children, attended church regularly, served as Youth Leaders, attended Sunday School, helped in the nursery, and served as the Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the church for many years. Fred also enjoyed helping with property projects. After Fred’s health declined, he could often be found reading his Bible which he read through several times.

Fred sold fire alarm systems until he became an insurance salesman at American General Life and Accident Insurance Company in October 1962 where he worked until he retired in February 1992. While selling insurance, Fred earned awards and also several trips which allowed them to travel around the world but their favorite place to visit was Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to spend time with Theresa, Bob, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fred enjoyed family vacations and camping, dancing with Jeanne, building and repairing things, videotaping family activities, singing Happy Birthday to family, playing cards, reading the funnies, telling stories, fishing and boating, golfing, doing yard work, cheering on the Cornhuskers, and shooting marbles as a youth. Fred thoroughly enjoyed Jeanne’s cooking!

After Virden passed away, Fred’s mother married Walter Nothnagel. They moved Fred’s parents to Omaha in their later years so they could help care for them. Fred was a man of integrity, had good work ethics, and was full of life. He took his marriage vows to heart and loved Jeanne deeply. Fred often bought her roses on their anniversary and thoughtfully picked out her gifts. As Fred’s health declined, he was thankful for the modifications Jeanne made to their lifestyle and house so he could remain at home until she went to Heaven on November 20. Fred’s heart was broken – his beloved wife of over 67 years who had cared for him so faithfully was gone and he had to leave his home of over 59 years. Their marriage was truly a match made in Heaven and we know Jesus and Jeanne both welcomed Fred with outstretched arms on December 24. Fred – Husband, Dad, Brother, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Relative, and Friend, we love you and miss you dearly but we will be together again in Heaven!

Preceded in death by loving wife of 67 years, Jeanne.

Those left to cherish Fred's memory include his daughters, Jeri Shelor, and Theresa Nielson (Bob); grandchildren, Jennifer Harrison (Jay), and Joey Nielson (Kelsey); and great-grandsons, Oliver and Elliot Nielson, and Landon Harrison.

A visitation for Fred will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. A funeral service will occur Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Omaha, 421 Park Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.

Fred will be laid to rest in Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106.

Memorials suggested to First Baptist Church of Omaha.

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