John Blaine Shelton

John Blaine Shelton was born October 18, 1944, in Denver, Colorado to Arthur and Margaret Shelton. John passed away November 12, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri from several disabling illnesses.

He attended several one room country schools in Ozark and Douglas Counties in Missouri.

In 1958 his family moved to Mansfield, Missouri, where he graduated high school in 1962.

Entering the U.S. Army in 1963, he served in the infantry in Vietnam in some areas that were defoliated by Agent Orange and other hazardous materials, suffering some neurological damage.

With an honorable discharge he worked at several sources of employment including clearing utility lines, pipeline construction and plumbing.

John was the Commander of VFW Post 1502 for several years, always ready to help someone in need. He would spend his own hard earned money for gasoline and expenses when necessary to take veterans and family members to the hospital in Columbia, Missouri Fayetteville, Arkansas and other medical clinics.

John loved fishing and at one time chasing rabbits with Beagle hounds. John was a member of NFLCC (National Fishing Lure Collectors Club) going to meetings in several states. He amassed a large collection of antique fishing lures.

John is survived by two brothers James and Jerry of Seymour, MO and Charles and Debbie Shelton of Macomb, MO.

Two sisters preceded him in death, Lois Street and Thelma Shelton, plus an infant brother and sister. Surviving sisters are Jane Henderson and Sherrie and Kathryn Sue of Springfield, MO.

Graveside services with full military honors will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., Marshfield.

Visitation will be from 6-7:00 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.

John will be deeply missed by his many friends and relatives.