William Thomas Shelton

William T. Shelton (Colonel, USAF retired) of San Antonio passed away June 9, 2023 at the age of 101. Tom, as he preferred to be called, was a Windcrest resident for 30-plus years and most recently resided at the Army Residence Community for the past 20 years. He was born and raised in Yanceyville, NC and attended East Carolina State University, before serving his country, seeing the world, and coming to reside in South Central Texas.

Colonel Shelton served a distinguished military career, first in the Army Air Corp as a World War II combat pilot in the Pacific Theater flying the B-24 Liberator, then as an Air Force Korean War Reserve Officer. Following further schooling and returning to active duty, he became involved in the Atlas Missile Program, before becoming an instructor at the Air Force Academy. He returned to flying combat during Vietnam, where he served two tours of duty, piloting the B-57 Canberra. He received 43 commendations for service to his country, including the Bronze Star for bravery, the Air Medal with three silver, and one bronze, oak leaf clusters, and the Distinguished Flying Cross with silver oak leaf cluster. During his duty assignments following Vietnam, Tom spent more time “flying-a-desk,” but included assignment to the Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, and his final assignment with Air Training Command at Randolph AFB.

Tom was active in community service in the San Antonio area for many years following his military career, serving in virtually every officer role in the Windcrest Lion’s Club, as they supported the Children’s Eyeglass Program. Tom was a parishioner at Windcrest United Methodist Church for more than four decades, and worked with Wesley Methodist Health and Wellness Center as well as San Antonio Christian Assistance Ministry. He also was a founding participant of the City of Windcrest’s Citizens Patrol, when citizens band radios became en vogue.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Mother Bessie Poteat Shelton, and Father James Spencer Shelton, Brother Stephen, and Sisters Ruby Lea, Margaret, and Betsy. Tom mourned the death of his loving Wife of 74 years, Alma Simmons Shelton, since 2020.

Tom was a loving Husband to Alma, Father to two Aggie sons, Bill (Thelma) and John (Vicki). Together, they enjoyed tuning-in to Aggie Athletics and also followed Dallas and Houston sports. Tom is survived by his younger Sister, Sarah, his mentioned sons (wives) and their four granddaughters, Amanda (Kevin), Spencer, Jessica, and Skyler, as well as two step granddaughters Genevieve and Vanessa (Jose). Tom is also survived by four great-grandchildren, and one step great, great grandchild.

After cremation, Colonel Shelton will rest alongside Alma in Columbarium at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (FSH) in San Antonio, Texas. Public Services for Tom will be held at the Army Residence Community’s Chapel (7400 Crestway, San Antonio 78239) at 9:00am on Monday, July 10, 2023, with military-honors following at FSH National Cemetery (1520 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, 78209), at 11:30am the same day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Army Residence Community Development Foundation’s Smith Fund. Tax-deductible donations in Tom’s honor should be made out and mailed to ARC Development Foundation, Smith Fund, 7400 Crestway, San Antonio, Texas 78239.