Edward Ray Shelton
1 Feb 1965 - 21 May 1994

Edward Ray Shelton was born 1 Feb 1965 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. His parents were the late David Franklin and Vera (Phipps) Shelton. He was the seventh child out of eight, the second youngest child.

While growing up, he attended the New Hope "Webb" Missionary Baptist Church, and this is when he became a Christian. He went to school in Illinois at Woodlawn Grade School, Woodlawn High School, and later earned his General Educational Development (GED) in Mt. Vernon. He earned his Nursing Technician Certification from the State of Illinois. He also attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL where he was majoring in the arts but was unable to finish due to his health.

He had a wide variety of hobbies such as riding his bicycle, driving cars and trucks, cooking, working on engines, fixing electrical things, and even swimming. His favorite band was the "Eagles". He was dedicated to his work and one day his transmission went out, so he overhauled it that morning, and was able to make it to work on time. What talent he had.

During his career in industry, he worked at several different places such as Denny's, Western Sizzlers Steak House, Shoney's, Shelton's Used Cars and Trucks, Bryan Manor Nursing Home in Irvington, IL and Joshua Manor Nursing Home in Hoyleton, Illinois.

One of his most difficult times in his life was when he became a full-time caretaker for one of his friends who had cancer. The man's family was not able to be around due to work so Edward was there to help at whatever cost. He cooked, cleaned, and took him to his doctor's appointments. One of the hardest things in Edward's life was to watch his friend slowly die in front of his eyes with cancer. He said, "I just feel helpless".

At the age of 25, Edward's eye sight was fading away. While shopping with Edward at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in Mt. Vernon one Christmas, it was then his mother and sister realized something was seriously wrong with him. He told his sister he could not see well and his legs were tingling. At this time, the family knew something was seriously wrong. Edward had a neurological disease. He didn't want anyone in the family to know he was sick because he remembered how his friend was treated when he got sick. Edward's family supported him and encouraged him until the bitter end of his life.

At the age of 26, Edward left this world to be with our heavenly father 21 May 1994. He is buried in the Atkinson Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

While alive, he impacted so many lives in such a positive way. He loved helping others. He loved laughing and making jokes. All he ever wanted was for people to be kind to each other, help each other out, be there for each other when needed, and share in wisdom. He was always trying to improve things and especially the lives of others. He had a great personality, kind hearted, friendly to everyone, very likeable, and was very outgoing. He never met a stranger, very sociable. He would visit family members just to chat and see how they were doing. He always hugged everyone and would tell them to "Take care of yourself." He loved people, he had a big heart for everyone, and he wanted everyone to enjoy their life.

Written and Submitted By:
Cindy (Shelton) Wallace
2014