In Memory
Anthony "Tony" Lewis Shelton
June 27, 1947 ~ June 12, 2023
Rev. Anthony Lewis Shelton was born on June 27, 1947 to the late Harvey and Mary Shelton, in Madisonville, KY. He was the eldest of three sons. Anthony transitioned to his heavenly home on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the age of 75. He was surrounded by his family and friends who loved and supported him throughout his illness. He was joined in holy matrimony with Myra Darlene Shelton on May 14, 1993; they recently celebrated 30 years of marriage. Together they built a beautiful blended family, served in ministry together, shared their home, their lives, and an abundance of love with their biological and numerous bonus children.
He grew up in South Bend, IN where he received K-12 education. He attended Riley High School where he was an All-Star basketball player. Upon high school graduation from Riley in 1965, he earned a basketball scholarship to Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida. He was a proud Rattler, where he majored in Criminal Law and was a member of the starting five on the FAMU basketball team. He could often be found talking about his time at FAMU and representing his alma mater, by wearing his orange and green, “Go Mighty Rattlers, Go!”
He was affectionately called Tony, “Mammy Hard,” Pawsey, Paw-Paw, Hun and Dad by his family and closest friends.
Anthony “Tony” Shelton accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age and was baptized. In his adult years, he accepted the call to preach the gospel and thus became known as Rev. Tony Shelton. He loved the word of God and could be found teaching children in AWANA, basketball ministry, men’s ministry and in any capacity in which he was needed in the body of Christ. He worked for many years at the Wheeler Boys and Girls Club as a youth counselor.
He loved and faithfully served the Lord and most importantly, instilled faith in Jesus in the lives of his children. Rev. Shelton was a fervent prayer warrior and was never shy about his faith or his love for the preached word, the rocks would never cry out for him. When in service, his deep baritone voice could often be heard crying out to God. “Preach me full Pastor,” “Stay on he wall” and “It was me” are just a few of the phrases that Rev. Shelton would belt out during worship service. He loved to serve his Pastor, First Lady and Corinthian family.
Rev. Shelton was passionate about youth, education, family, and cooking. He was known for his BBQ, fried fish, potato salad and good ole home-style breakfasts. He loved dancing, singing baritone, being a jokester, watching movies, traveling and being with his family. He was blessed to take a family cruise in October of 2022.
He will be remembered for his generosity, and jovial laugh and the sheer enjoyment he received from feeding people both physical and spiritual meals. He loved and guided the children that he and Myra provided daycare services for in their home. He was affectionately known as Paw-Paw to the babies and toddlers in their care.
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Myra; his children, David Shelton, Mark Shelton, Chris Shelton, LaToya Norris, Shayna Shelton, Melissa Shelton, Christopher (Michelle) Johnson, Kai (Xav) Clinton, Marvin Smith II, and Markeada Smith; brothers, Patrick (Bev) Shelton and Kenneth (Barbara) Shelton; ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four aunts: Betty Perry, Jean Shelton, Betty Shelton, Nita (LeRoy) Dickerson; one uncle, Donald (LaCretia) Shelton; and cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends that all held a special place in his heart but are too numerous to name.
His voice, his presence, his laughter, and his joyous spirit will be missed but never forgotten. We rejoice because we are confident that his soul now rests with our Heavenly Father. To God be the glory!
07.04.2023 djb
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