Carl Gene Shelton, of Meta, was born on July 4, 1932, at Alder Springs, Miller County, Missouri, a son of Ray and Ella (Renfrow) Shelton, and departed this life at 12:29 a.m., on Friday, December 23, 2016, in the SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, Jefferson City. He had been in failing health for some time and had attained the age of 84 years, 5 months, and 19 days.

Carl was united in marriage on November 15, 1958, at East St. Louis, Illinois, to the former Miss Cecile Louise Butts.

He had attended the Honey Springs Baptist Church and enjoyed going to Alley Spring State Park, kayaking, and spending time with family camping and fishing. Carl had taken great pride in being able to construct two homes that he built for his family. He was indeed an animal lover and especially loved his Boxers and his King Charles Cavalier named KC. An avid gardener, Carl really liked tending his plants and was known locally as the "Strawberry Man".

Carl was a United States Navy veteran and had been trained to be a Hydraulic Mechanic while serving his country. He also completed training in aircraft welding and aviation supply and was entitled to wear the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. In earlier years, Carl had been employed in various factory positions, and after his naval service, by McDonnell Douglas, St. Louis, and for most of his working life at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Following his retirement, Carl and his wife, Cecile, moved to Maries County in 1988 for their retirement.

Those left to mourn the passing of Carl include: His wife of fifty-eight years, Cecile Shelton, of the home in rural Meta; his children, Michael and Linda Shelton of Highland, Illinois, and Karen Carskadon of Rolla; six grandchildren, Melissa Martin, Tyler Shelton, Wallace Rex Carskadon, Joshua Shelton, McKinsey Shelton, and Jayden Shelton; three great-grandchildren, Tyleigh, Ryan, and Nissa; one brother, Jerry and Sandy Shelton, of Vienna; two sisters, Joy and Tom Dye of Springfield, and Jacqueline Stack of Collinsville, Illinois; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one son, James David Shelton, on April 30, 1999; one daughter, Joni Lynn Shelton, on July 10, 2007; his father, Ray, on December 26, 1998; his mother, Ella, on March 18, 1977; and one sister, Jane Holcomb.

Memorial contributions are suggested per the wishes of the family.