William Edson “Pete” Shelton, 79, of Fayetteville, died August 25, 2015. He was born September 18, 1935 in Washington, D.C. to Walter Allison and Marie Aretha Bellas Shelton. He enjoyed working on his ranch, raising cattle and caring for his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mildred; and stepson, James Harvey Hogan.
He is survived by son, Bill Shelton of Los Angeles, CA.; three brothers, John Shelton of San Fernando, CA., Walter Nichols of Winslow, AR. and James Nichols of Thousand Oaks, CA.; two sisters, Patricia Folsom of Westlake Village, CA. and Velma Rinehart of Crescent City, CA.; and granddaughter, Nicole M. Shelton of Fayetteville.
Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Hazel Valley Church with Steve Sullivan officiating.
Rest in Peace Pete Shelton on Facebook.
Pete was a kind soul, a good neighbor, and will be missed. We continue to pray that the Lord will bring comfort and peace to the family during this time of deep sorrow.
I met Mr. Shelton through the Humane Society of the Ozarks when he asked that the HSO help find a home for the two horses he had adopted and cared for. He knew his time was short and wanted to make sure those beautiful horses had a good home. He enjoyed a good visit, he loved his animals, and he was a thoughtful and kind man. I was glad the horses did get a good home that he approved, and I hope that his family has comfort in knowing he loved his life on his beautiful land. It was a pleasure to get to know him.
Pete was one of a kind. With over 20 years of delivering his mail he was more than a patron but a friend. Remember his loss of James and then Millie the woman he treasured. Pete put himself busy with his farm, building lawn decorations or projects of some sort. One might meet him on the road only to find he was takeing his dogs for a ride. This turned into a daily routine. If one missed a few days from the mail route. Pete would call to see if everything was o.k. or see what he could do to help. Now thats a friend. One winter I ran short of hay only needed a few bales. He saved the next month with what was left over from his barn. Thats a neighbor. Many a time the mail truck landed in his yard. Might be a shot of air in a tire, or help get the over tightened lug nuts off. The visits over the yard fence is what I will miss for sure. To air his lungs, or just see how things was going. Just last winter on a very cold day. He left a bowl of homemade soup. Needless to say the mail had a delay. His heart was BIG, and that easy smile. Will miss him at that yard fence.
He loved his family and spoke of them often, not to mention the cards and letters. They all have done an outstanding job of standing beside him through his battles. When Nicole stayed the last year or so one could see he was proud of her for too she gave him a reason. Your in my prayers. But also to Thank You for takeing such good care of our friend and neighbor.
I knew Bill in high school; my last name was Shea and as a Shelton, he would sit behind me as classrooms were configured in those days, the 1950’s.
In 1998 I was driving across the US, from VA, where I then l Ed, to California, where I was born and raised. Bill met me in Fayetteville and I stayed overnight with him and Millie.
He was a warm, kind soul wit he the brightest smile in the Universe. I’m so glad to have had him as a buddy.