John Shelby Mayo

John Shelby Mayo died peacefully at home early August 28, 2010. He will be missed by his family and friends because of his tender and loving ways. He is survived by his wife Ella Boudreaux Mayo. In September 2009 Shelby and Ella celebrated their 72th wedding anniversary together. He is also survived by his two sons Wade Mayo of Tustin California, Clay Mayo of Austin Texas, and grandchildren Cary Anne Novigrod, Brandi Mayo, Andrea Pacheco, Paul Mayo, Shelbi Mayo, and great grandchildren Christian Mayo and Molly Grace Pacheco. He will be buried next to his beloved grandson who passed away in 1994, and who also bears Shelby’s fathers name of Wade Hampton Mayo. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 1st from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church, 5649 Dailey Street where Rosary will be recited 7:45 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 9:30 a.m., Thursday, September 2nd at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery. Special thanks go to friends of the family Angelia Dobrin and Cruz Medrano who helped meet Shelby’s needs in a most loving way these last years. Along with being a long time friend of the family Angelia also served as Shelby’s Home Healthcare Nurse.

Shelby was born May 19, 1914 in Memphis, Tennessee, and at the age of 4 years moved to Ogden, Utah with his family. In 1925 he moved again, this time to El Paso, Texas which became his permanent home. He became interested in military service, and joined ROTC in high school. He transferred to Austin High School as a sophomore the day it opened its doors, and was always proud to be a Panther. After graduation he joined the Texas State Guard Reserve, and was fortunate to serve in El Paso during World War II. He worked as office manager at Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, and as the manager of the Stationary and Printing Department at the El Paso Natural Gas Company. Shelby spent the last 20 years of his career working at Helen of Troy for the wonderful Rubin Family. He played semi-pro baseball for Coca-Cola for several years. Together Shelby and Ella enjoyed fishing, camping and in their younger years square dancing. Shelby played tennis for most of his life. He took up tennis at the age of eleven and played regularly for 70 years. He could return any tennis ball hit to him, but he was even better at returning or serving up a smile when it was needed. At the age of 81 Shelby put away his tennis racket for the last time, and retired from Helen of Troy, and a few years later had both knees replaced. But he did not put up his smile or zest for life, neither of which he ever lost. Dad, we love you and will miss you. Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Martin Central, 3839 Montana Ave.