Joe Henry Shelton, age 99 of Brashear, Missouri, passed away Wednesday April 28, 2021 at the Knox County Nursing Home in Edina, Missouri.
Born March 28, 1922 west of Brashear, Missouri at the home of his maternal grandparents, George and Margaret (Robertson) Platz, he was the son of Edgar M. and Lois Hill (Platz) Shelton. On February 23, 1947 he was united in marriage to Beulah Anita Crossgrove, daughter of Arthur Leo and Beulah Pauline (Luckenbaugh) Crossgrove, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Brashear, Missouri with the Rev. G.D. Hammontree officiating. They celebrated 72 years of marriage February 23, 2019.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita, on March 1, 2019; his Mother on September 23, 1983, his Father on January 15, 1984; his brother, LTC (Ret.) Earnest Allen Shelton on March 17, 2015 and sister-in-law Gladys Shelton as well as a very special cousin, Shirley Platz Satterfield who was raised in the home of his parents for 14 years.
He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Jeff (Lisa) Osborn of Brashear, Missouri; one son, Brent Shelton and husband Angel Bunao of Centralia, Missouri; three grandchildren, Justin Osborn (Maria) of Brashear, Missouri, Jared Osborn (Jessica) of Burlington, Iowa and Mrs. Alex (Kristin) Nelson, of Huron, South Dakota; eight great-grandchildren, Peyton Osborn, Adasyn Osborn, Kheegan Moots, George Nelson, Finley Nelson, Jayden Barnhill, Ethan Knigge and Gracie Kniggie; one niece, Margaret Ann Klein of Winchester, Virginia; one nephew, Douglas Shelton of Columbus, Georgia; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as his extended Crossgrove and Platz families and many friends.
Joe was a life-long resident of the Brashear community where he and his wife were engaged in farming, having lived on the same farm since 1948. He attended the Oak Dale Rural School west of Brashear through the 8th grade and was a 1939 graduate of Brashear High School. Following his graduation, he farmed with his dad and brother until being drafted. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army. He was inducted into the service November 9, 1942 at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri. He served with Company K, 414th Infantry Division, Timberwolves, as a Marksman, receiving the rank of Private First Class. He served fifteen months overseas with Campaigns in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, one with Oak Cluster and was twice wounded in action. He was Honorably Discharged December 11, 1945 at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri.
Following his discharge, he returned to the community and farm that he loved. His love of the land included the gamble of farming on Salt River and raising his cattle. He was a member of the Brashear Community Bible Church having taken membership December 22, 1940 and was baptized in 1941. He enjoyed worshipping in the church that was built by his grandfather, George T. Platz, Sr. He had served on many of the church boards and committees including the Board of Trustees and various building projects, and was an active member all of his life. Joe was a gentle person and took great pleasure in fishing, hunting, and was a lover of animals and he always had some pet, a dog, a cat or whatever, but most of all spending time with his family and loved ones including the “grand-dogs “. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to all. He loved his extended family and most of all, served God faithfully and always made sure that someone in need was prayed for. We will miss his gentle and loving spirit and he will always remain in our hearts forever.
Funeral services will be held Monday May 3, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Brashear Community Bible Church in Brashear, Missouri. His son, the Rev. Dr. Brent Shelton will officiate, assisted by Rev. Donnie Powell and Rev. Darrell Draper and. Congregational hymns will be “Faith of Our Fathers”, “How Great Thou Art”, “I Love to Tell the Story” “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “America the Beautiful”.
Burial will be in the Brashear Cemetery with Military rites conducted by the Missouri Military Honors Guard.
Casket bearers will be: Rick Hale, Larry Billington, Lavern Gerhold, Randall Shahan, Josh Hettinger and Albert Zentz.
Visitation will be after 1:00 PM Sunday with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, Missouri with the family receiving friends at that time. At 9 AM Monday morning the body will be taken to the church where friends may call until the service time.
Memorials may be given to the Brashear Community Bible Church.