Donald Lowayne Shelton

Donald Lowayne Shelton passed away at the Loma Linda Veterans Hospital on November 4, 2024 at the age of 71. Born on July 3, 1953, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Don was known for being an outdoorsman and a hard-working family man. He touched the lives of many with his bright smile and charm. Our dear sweet Don will be forever missed by his family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Alvie Lowayne Shelton and Mary Elizabeth Shelton, and his two siblings, Linda Gale Shaw and Steven Dwight Shelton.

Don is survived by his wife, Vicki Sue Shelton, of over 32 years, their two sons, Donovan Lowayne Shelton and Riley William Shelton, Donovan's wife, Hylee Marie Shelton and their twins, Stella Leanne Shelton and Jaxson Lowayne Shelton, his pride and joy! Don also leaves behind his father in-law, Tommy A Dunkel Sr and his wife Sylvia Dunkle, along with several nieces and nephews.

Both of Don's sons have many great memories of road trips and seasonal outings, including fishing, camping, prospecting, off-roading, relic shooting with a metal detector, river trips, and using a telescope to stargaze and observe rocket launches. Fun times!

Donald’s life was characterized by his kind words and acts of kindness. Don has many lifelong friends. As a young boy he joined the Boy Scouts of America and persevered to the highest rank of Eagle Scout. At the age 17, Don enlisted in the US Army in hopes to travel to see the world. He served one tour in Vietnam as a weapons repairman and held many other positions throughout his military service. After exiting the military, most of Don's working career involved heavy duty equipment operation and environmental services. Since retiring from AmeriGas Proflame in 2013, Don spent much of his time tinkering with projects around the house and gardening. He jokingly referred to himself as a "jack of all trades, master of none".

Don and his family lived in the Apple Valley community for over 27 years. At one point he tutored at the local library for the literacy program. He has been a member of HDGD Club since 1999. Anyone who met Don would often say he was such a nice guy and they really enjoyed being in his presence.

A committal service with military honors for Donald will be held Friday, November 29, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, in honor of Don’s memory.