On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, John Thomas “Tommy” Shelton’s soul peacefully slipped away in the presence of family and was rejoined in heaven by his wife Evelyn, son Jessie, daughter Peggy Allderige and sister-in-law Rosie in addition to his parents, brothers and sisters, all of whom preceded him.
He is survived by one brother, Lewis Shelton, his three granddaughters, Belinda DeStefano, Laura West and Leah Hancock, his four great-grand children, Kaylee and Mallory Hancock, John West and Gabrielle DeStefano, his step daughter Clara Klinger, three step grand children Patsy Krannitz, George Klinger and Gene Klinger and son-in-law Bill Allderige.
Tommy was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a loyal friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Tommy was quick of wit, with an abundance of smiles and he lived a good Christian life that most could only aspire to achieve.
He selflessly put his family first at every turn and saw that their needs were always met, regardless of any hardship that he would endure to accomplish it.
As a young man, Tommy voluntarily and courageously served our country with honor and distinction in World War II aboard the USS Santee CVE-29 in both the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns, including some of the most heated and pivotal battles that turned the tide of the war.
A man of peace, after the war ended he became a master carpenter and always insisted on perfection in every job and project he worked on. These included many well known local landmarks such as Military Circle, Scope and the Oceana Navy Base. Tommy was also a devoted member and elder of the Somme Avenue Christian Church.
In his retirement years, Tommy greatly enjoyed spending time with family, friends and his church congregation until the church closed at which point he completed his move to White Stone, Virginia.
He also traveled throughout the United States with his beloved family members Clara and Gene. He would later divide his time between White Stone, Virginia and his granddaughters in Tidewater, Virginia.
While we all mourn Tommy’s passing, one of his many words of wisdom was that “life is for the living”. Spoken by a kind hearted man who lost his wife, son and daughter well before their time, these words should hold great meaning for all of us.
We can best honor Tommy’s legacy by living in his footsteps and loving our family, friends and peers just as he did.
John Thomas Shelton
September 29, 1923 - June 6, 2017
09/29/1923 - 06/06/2017
Past Services
Cemetery
Monday June 12, 2017
Woodlawn Memorial Gardens
6309 E Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
757-461-4054 | Directions
6309 E Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
757-461-4054 | Directions
Additional Information:
Committal Service with rendering of Military Honors
Visitation
Monday June 12, 2017
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
Service
Monday June 12, 2017
10:00 am
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
Additional Information:
Funeral Service
It was an honor to be able to sing at your home going service. I will miss singing with you on Saturdays and Sundays at Marian Manor, but you’re singing in heaven now and that’s grand!
Such a gentle soul. I met Tommy at a family gathering of my neighbors Joey and Belinda’s house. From that day forward anytime I saw him, he always had a story to tell about his time in the Military and the many other adventures he had in his life. I visited him in Marion Manor and he always had a story to tell. He was such a gentle and loving man. Loved his family dearly. His laughter and smile will be missed.
Chris, Laura & family we cannot prepare for a loss of any one we love, it is a shock.
However, hope you take comfort in knowing that Papa is now resting & Papa is with God.
Papa may have left us from this earth, he is still alive in your heart. Your Papa will not be forgotten.
May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days.
Buddy and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Chris, Laura & family we cannot prepare for a loss of any one we love, it is always a shock.
Buddy & I hope you take comfort in knowing that Papa is now resting & Papa is with God.
Papa may have left us from this earth, he is still alive in our heart.
Your Papa will not be forgotten.
May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days.
Buddy and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family.