Gary Wayne Shelton

With heavy hearts, yet deep gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the memory of Gary Wayne Shelton — a beloved husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, loyal brother, and proud veteran. Gary passed away peacefully at the age of 80, on Monday, June 16, 2025, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy filled with compassion, strength, and joy that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was born in Oak Ridge, TN, on June 10, 1945, to the late Ray and Mary Christine (Richards) Shelton. Gary was married for over 60 beautiful years to the love of his life, Peggy. Theirs was a love story of quiet devotion, shared laughter, and unshakable partnership. Together, they built a life and a home that radiated warmth and belonging — a place where their children and grandchildren would gather every weekend, drawn by Gary’s stories, his gentle wisdom, and his generous spirit. A proud United States Air Force veteran, Gary served bravely in the Vietnam War, earning the Military Merit Award and the Bronze Star across two campaigns. Though he wore his uniform with quiet humility, his service and sacrifice spoke volumes about his character and courage. Gary was a man who found joy in the simple things: old westerns on the TV, peaceful mornings spent turkey hunting, and favorite desserts like pineapple upside-down cake and Gray Brothers’ lemon meringue pie. His dogs, Roxy and Charlie Bear, were his faithful companions, always by his side and showered with love. But more than anything, Gary was a man with a heart that overflowed with love. His laughter, his clever humor, and his deep kindness made him the center of every room — not because he demanded attention, but because he gave so much of himself to others. In his final chapter, Gary was never alone. His Amazon of a daughter stood by his side, giving everything of herself to care for him — with strength, tenderness, and an unbreakable bond of love. She was his rock and his angel, and because of her, he passed from this world with comfort, dignity, and the love he had always given so freely returned to him in full. Though we are heartbroken, we are also deeply thankful. To have known Gary was a blessing. To have been loved by him was a gift. His legacy lives on in every shared memory, every inside joke, every act of quiet generosity — and in the example of how a simple man with a huge heart can change the world around him. He was, and always will be, one of a kind. Along with his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife Peggy (Mullins) Shelton, and siblings, Mark, Nick, and Benny Shelton. He is survived by his loving children, Christine Mitchell (Jay) of Monrovia, Gary Shelton, Jr. of Mooresville, and Steve Shelton (Barbara) of Indianapolis; siblings, Eric Shelton (Roell) of Eminence, Jeff Shelton, Carole Alford of Spencer, and Cindy, Janet, and Ed Shelton; grandchildren, Brittany Sibbing (Nick) of Coatesville, Kristie Sue Shelton of Martinsville, and Steve “Bub” Ferguson (Brandy) of Monrovia; 6 great grandchildren; along with extended family, and dear friends — all of whom carry his memory like a flame, steady and bright. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, June 20th, at 11:00 a.m. in West Union Friends Cemetery where Gary will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Peggy. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made by mail to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, 585 E Main St, Monrovia, IN, 46157 or online by clicking https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/QYCVXBTU25ARJ. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in his memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Gary Wayne Shelton

June 10, 1945 - June 16, 2025