Class of 1969
1969 Maroon Spotlight
Ken Shelton
1969 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
Ken Ray (Tex) Shelton has made no definite post-graduation plans. He is the 18-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Shelton, 309 Grove street, and was born June 16, 1950, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Before coming to Perry, he attended Wilburton and Laverne schools. He also has had courses at O. T. Autry vocational – technical school in Enid the past two years. His favorite subject is auto body repair.
Ken Ray Shelton
June 16, 1950 – August 21, 2024
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 was 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.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the American Diabetes Association.