Ken Ray Shelton

Ken Ray ‘Tex’ Shelton passed away August 21, 2024 at the age of 74. 

Tex was born June 16, 1950 in Wichita Falls, TX to Charles Bennett Shelton and Mary Ailcy (Manley) Shelton. The Sheltons moved to Perry in 1967. 

In 1969, Tex graduated from Perry High School, and went on to attend VoTech in Enid, Oklahoma, where he would learn autobody craftsmanship. He has since taken many more VoTech courses over the years. On August 8, 1970, Tex married the love of his life, Velma (Smith) Shelton. Together they had one son, Ken ’Shorty’ Shelton II and one daughter, Keli Schweer. 

Tex worked most of his adult life at R.L. Frailey’s, then for Taber Manufacturing, before landing at EZ Drill. Tex worked for EZ Drill for 16 years as an expeditor until his retirement. His hobbies included car shows, fishing and telling everyone about Travel OK. Tex always made sure to ‘bring a grandkid or two’ wherever he went, often being the man behind the camera, capturing all the memories he could. Tex was rarely seen out and about without a grandchild by his side. 

Tex is preceded in death by both his parents, Charles and Mary Shelton, sister Sara Hines and brother Clifford Shelton. 

Tex leaves behind his wife Velma Shelton and daughter Keli Schweer, both of Perry; son, Ken ‘Shorty’ Shelton II and wife Darla of Bentonville, AR; sister Beni Engle and husband Bob of Arizona; niece Dani Teats and husband Chad; nephews Kristopher Shelton; and Robert Hines and wife Kim; life-long friend, Claude Prusa; grandchildren Gabbi Adams and husband Thomas of Bentonville, AR; Justin Schweer; Dustin Schweer and wife Alana; Kirstin Schweer and partner Gage Brown; and Kayla Crews, all of Perry; and great-grandchildren Ashley Schweer, Isabella Pavon, Kaden Schweer, Remington Schweer, Jenna Schweer, Harper Schweer, Teirryn Cox, Rylan Cox, Olivia Brown, all of Perry. There are several kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Tex loved as his own as well. 

There will be no service, as the family will be planning a Celebration of Life, to be announced at a later date. 

Please send donations to the American Diabetes Association.