Jerry Wayne Shelton

On November 17th our grandfather, Jerry Wayne Shelton Sr., passed away around 2 p.m. His death came unexpectedly to his family as he passed from a stroke and deep brain aneurysm. Jerry lead a life of honor and service to his country as a Navy veteran, Jerry had many stories to tell. Jerry was a wonderful Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, and friend to many.

After serving in the military and being honorably discharged, Jerry and his wife, Barbara Shelton, moved to Houston, Texas to start their life and their family. After having two children, Jerry Wayne Shelton Jr. and Tammy Lynn Shelton, they decided to start up and run a local retail meat market called “Jerry’s Quality Meats”.

They retired from the meat business after a decade of commitment to the local community. After retiring they felt like they could not just sit back. Jerry and Barbara decided take on truck driving school together and purchase their first truck as a team. By taking on a more adventurous life, they drove around the United States, later starting their own company called ‘CAT Transportation’. [C.A.T. named after their 3 grandchildren; Chase, Amber, and Ty.]

Jerry drove a truck with Barbara, for over 16 years until he suffered his first stroke. Jerry had never had major health problems until this stroke, but came back thriving like nothing had gone wrong. From that first stroke, he had to undergo 3 open heart surgeries which led to him receiving a pace maker and a mechanical heart valve. After all this he was unable to continue driving big trucks with his wife. So, they settled down and he started his path to recovery, while our Nana started working full time at the local prison.

Due to his pre-existing health conditions our papa was unable to receive life insurance. This has put a huge financial strain on our grandmother and the family with funeral and medical expenses. My grandmother’s life must go on with bills to pay, a full-time job to continue, and without her husband of over 57 years. Jerry and Barbara had met a young age of 12 before getting married at the age of 18.

Jerry had always said that when he passes away, that he did not want a funeral service, rather a celebration of his life with close family and friends.