Ted L. Shelton passed away peacefully on Nov. 18, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. Services honoring Ted’s life were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at the Joe E. Jones Memorial Chapel, with Mr. Ronnie Schoffner offi ciating. Arrangements were under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.
Visitation took place from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Home.
Ted was born on Dec. 28, 1930, in Cordell, Okla., to Sol and Mary Ollie Shelton. He married Wilma Helmstetler Haun on Sept. 18, 1955, and they shared more than 50 years of marriage until her passing in 2007.
Ted attended school in Cordell and proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in 1950. After moving to Childress, Texas, he began his career with West Texas Utilities, where he was a dedicated and loyal employee for 36 years until his retirement. His farming roots began in childhood on his family’s farm in Oklahoma, and he carried that work ethic throughout his life. Ted was known for being an extraordinarily hardworking man.
A longtime resident of Childress, Ted was a member of First Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, Eastern Star and the Chaparral Good Sam’s Club. Following retirement, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Kairos Prison Ministry and the Walk to Emmaus. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends and strangers alike.
Ted and Wilma enjoyed many years of traveling in their RV with family and friends. He also loved fishing — an interest fitting for someone known for his patience. Some of Ted’s happiest memories were made at Lake Texoma, where he and Wilma loved taking their grandchildren camping and fishing. He cherished hosting annual family reunions there, creating memories and stories that his family still treasures today.
Ted is survived by his children, Judy Jones and husband Rusty, of Lubbock, Texas, Susan Steele, of Sachse, Texas, Joyce Atkinson, of Arlington, Jim Shelton and wife Cindy, of Clarendon, Texas, and Gary Shelton and wife Brenda, of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren Paige ( Joe) Jackson, Craig (Teresa) Shires, Courtney Serrano, Chad (Katie) Steele, Melissa ( Joe) Bloodworth, Jason Atkinson, Lindsey ( Jeff ) Molloy, Taylor (Haley) Shelton, Lauren (Luke) Austin, Brook (David) Linholmn, Heather ( Josh) Hull and Kara ( Josh) Hill. He is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; his parents; brothers J.D. Wallace and Fred Shelton; and a sister, Violet Wallace.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 473, Childress, TX 79201, or the First Baptist Church Food Pantry, 300 Ave. C NW, Childress, TX 79201.
