Bobby "Bob" R Shelton

ELKHART-The world lost a first-class husband, father, grandfather and great-grandpa when Bobby Ray Shelton passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 8, 2025.

  He was born in Drift, Kentucky to parents Eddie and Nellie Shelton on June 10, 1943. Number eight of thirteen children meant that the Shelton home was always full of love, laughter, and enough siblings to field a baseball team (and fill the stands).

   Bob had a lifetime love of baseball that started with playing as a young boy. He played in multiple leagues throughout his life and also provided armchair commentary for his favorite teams (Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs) as he got older. He was able to pass on the love of the game to his children and grandchildren and could often be found in the stands cheering during their games.

   Bob met Clara, his wife of 63 years, in the hallways of McDowell High School in McDowell, Kentucky where he would wait beside her locker to flirt before class. Their love for each other was powerful and deep. While he was courting her in high school, Bob would frequently be seen sleeping with a photograph of Clara laying on his chest.  They were married September 16, 1961. Together they raised two children, Denise and Brian.

   A born performer, Bob could frequently be found singing country classics by his favorite singer, George Jones or doing the twist to Chubby Checker.  He also had an incredible memory and knack for story-telling. He loved to tell his posterity about his childhood in Eastern Kentucky. Bob was also always quick with a joke, or jocularity as he called them, and was always able to make friends and family laugh.

   A proud Army veteran, Bob bravely served his country and had gratitude for his time in the service of our nation. The friends he made in the service remained lifelong friends.

   Although Bob never achieved his high school dream of being a mule-skinner, he was a production manager at EFP Corp, an instrument maker at Vincent Bach/Selmer and a Shipping Manager at ER Carpenter. After retirement Bob enjoyed time on the golf course, visits with his grandkids, and trips back to his beloved Cow Hollow.

   While he wasn’t a regular church-goer, he frequently told his family members about wearing out the knees in his pants while talking with God, especially when trying to help family members through burdens. He loved his family very much which was apparent in his words and actions. Bob was a champion of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was quick to express his pride in their achievements and accomplishments.

   His reunion with family on the other side will be a happy one as he was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Russel, Cecil and Clark, and sisters Emmagene Jones and Alberta Shannon. He leaves behind his loving wife, Clara, children Denise (Thad) Walton and Brian (Karen) Shelton, five grandchildren Brandon, Brooke, Codie, Casey and Wesley, six great-grandchildren, siblings Georgie, Ted, Bernadine, Diana, Mary, Pat and Teresa, and a legacy of love and kindness. He will be greatly missed, but we know he's enjoying running the bases and eating crumpets (his favorite word for fancy cookies) in heaven.

  Per his wishes cremation will take place and there will be a celebration of life service at a later date.

  Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements

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