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.