Norman D Shelton

Born January 23, 1929 in Pekin to Earl and Elsie Matilda Miller Shelton, he married W. Lorraine Blackaby on February 8, 1953 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Richard N. "Rick" (Paula) Shelton of Manteno and Nathan E. "Nate" (M. Susana) Shelton of Kankakee; four grandchildren, Travis E. (Stacey) Shelton of Bourbonnais, Nicholas A. (Amy) Shelton of Chester, Virginia, Haley B. Shelton of Manteno, and Benjamin E. Shelton of Kankakee; four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, LaVern D. (Della) Shelton of Bartonville and Lou O. (Diana) Shelton of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant sons (Gregory K. Shelton and Kirk T. Shelton), and three brothers (Kenneth Shelton, Elmer Shelton, and Ronald Shelton).

The 1947 state wrestling champion in his weight class, Norm was the first Pekin Community High School athlete to win an individual state championship. He also was a silver gloves boxing champion. A United States Army veteran of the Korean War, he served from March 18, 1953 to March 15, 1955. He was stationed in Germany and attained the rank of Corporal.

Norman worked for Komatsu Dresser in Peoria for 43 years, retiring November 30, 1992 as an international arrangements specialist. He previously worked at Corn Products Company in Pekin and was a teacher at Homewood Heights School in Creve Coeur.

He was an active member of First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin, where he was member of the choir, Circle of Love adult Sunday school class, and Prime Time group. He was a long-time member of the church board, serving for 10 different pastors. He was a former Sunday school superintendent, trustee, youth director, bus driver, and caravan teacher, all at the church. He was 3 time Sunday school delegate to the General Assembly for the Northwest Illinois District of the Nazarene Church. He went on two mission trips to Alaska and Africa. He also was a volunteer for the Share program in Pekin and had been a wrestling official for the Illinois High School Association.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin. The Rev. Greg Mason will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel and also one hour before his funeral Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Spring Lake Cemetery in rural Manito.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of the Nazarene, 3514 Broadway Road, Pekin, Illinois 61554.