Norman L. Shelton, SMSgt, USAF, Retired, age 92, completed his final Permanent Change of Station (PCS) on June 25, 2025, in San Angelo, Texas, surrounded by his four children. Norm was born on August 20, 1932, to Carl “Hop” and Nellie Shelton in Durham, North Carolina, where he attended school and graduated from Bragtown High School in 1952. A few weeks later, Norm married his high school sweetheart, Hazel Deitz, and enlisted in the United States Air Force the following month, proudly serving his country for 30 years. Norm completed assignments in Valdosta, Georgia; Goldsboro, North Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; a remote tour in Shemya, Alaska, as well as 12 years of foreign service in Dreux, France; Rhein Main and Frankfurt, Germany; Saigon, Vietnam; and Crete, Greece. In 1977 Norm was stationed at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas, where he retired in 1982.
Following his distinguished USAF career, Norm worked in sales at KBIL Radio and Trans Texas Federal Credit Union and took care of his clients like family. Norm was Santa Claus at Sunset Mall, making several Christmas seasons in the 1990’s extra merry and bright with his cheerful spirit and childlike wonder. Norm loved working at Rio Concho Patio Homes, where he was also a cherished community member and friend.
Norm had a heart for service his entire life. He often coached and officiated youth sports and was a volunteer fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS) in San Angelo for many years. Norm was instrumental in the local Relay for Life and was the king of Jail ‘n Bail fundraisers, even persuading the Bishop to go to “jail” to support the cause. Norm had a passion for helping at Camp Discovery for children with cancer, held at the Texas Lions Camp. Norm was also an active member of the West Side Lions Club, cooking and selling many briskets to raise funds for important programs.
Norm was a social butterfly, delighted in interacting with people and dogs, and never met a stranger. He had a natural ability to make others smile, laugh, and feel seen and heard. It was impossible not to feel lighter and happier after being in Norm’s presence.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 6 from 6:00 to 8 :00 PM at Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas. A service celebrating Norm’s life will take place on Monday, July 7 at 10:00 AM at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel, followed by committal at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo.
Norm was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Hazel Shelton, second wife, Rodessa Dorris Shelton, parents “Hop” and Nellie Shelton, sisters Addie Joyce Shelton and Dorothy Shelton Scott, brother-in-law Fred Scott, nephew Freddy Scott, sister-in-law Loretta “Ro” Foushee, grandson Terry Shelton, and his beloved dogs SuSu, Brandy, Sam the Cocker Spaniel, and Sam the Golden Retriever.
Norm is survived by his children Teresa Shelton of Texas, Patricia Shelton (Ted Gardeline) of Alaska, Linda Shelton Gellman of Tennessee, and Tim Shelton (Joan) of Georgia. Norm was also an adored Grandpa, Pops, Papa, Popscorn, and G-Pa to his 10 grandchildren Tiffany Nickles (Lon), Tera Gallaway, Dana Flores (Jason), and Heather Breeckner (Jason) all of Texas, Austin Gardeline of Alaska, Hannah Gellman of Pennsylvania, Tori Gellman of Massachusetts, Andrea Chase (Joe) of Iowa, Mike Shelton of Texas, and Jonathan Williamson of Georgia. Norm was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren: Caydee Pingor (Rob) of Virginia, Peyton Gallaway of Colorado, Andrew Maldonado, Haleigh Newman, Frank Morrell (Arikka), Joseph Nickles, Grace Nickles, Madison Metcalf, Nicholas Sanchez, Jacob Shelton, Skyler Shelton, and Julian Bow all of Texas, and Evelyn and Levi Chase of Iowa. Norm’s legacy lives on in his five great greatgrandchildren Teddy and Robbie Daniel, and Sadie Pingor of Virginia, and Willow Duke, and Clint Morrell of Texas. Norm leaves behind brothers-in-law John Foushee and Gary Deitz, nephews Danny Scott, Jay Foushee (Kim) and Barry Foushee (Tina), niece Lori Foushee, and cousins Tom Green and Larry Green (Paula). Norm is also survived by forever family members Lynne Shelton and Dan Gellman, as well as other nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends whom he loved dearly.
Pallbearers will be Jon Schermerhorn, Gary Wilson, John Talley, Tim Shelton, Mike Shelton, Pat Shelton, Ted Gardeline, and Jacob Shelton.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation to Camp Discovery via https://discoverycamps.campbraingiving.com/ or the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/donate.html .
The Shelton family expresses their deepest thanks to Concho Hearts Hospice and the incredible staff at Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital, especially Palliative Care and the team on 6 North, for providing excellent compassionate care for Norm and support for his children.
