Merlin Basil Shelton

Merlin Shelton

Merlin Shelton, 87, of Kirksville, MO, passed away at the Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville on Tuesday, April 22, 2014.

Merlin Basil Shelton was born in Powersville, MO, on January 22, 1927, the son of Alpha Basil (A.B.) and Mildred Faye (Noel) Shelton, who preceded him in death.  He was reared in Putnam County where his father was county Superintendent of schools.  Merlin joined the United States Army after graduation from Unionville High School in 1945, serving in Germany until 1946.  He returned to attended Kirksville State Teachers College (now Truman University) where he graduated with a BS in Education.  He also earned a Master’s and a Specialist Degree from the same institution.

Merlin married Betty Johnson in Eldon, MO, on March 2, 1949, and she preceded him in death on February 28, 2005.  Merlin began his teaching career in Lancaster, MO, teaching Industrial Arts and Driver Education. He then moved to the Princeton school district where he served for 26 years, the last several years as principal and superintendent.  He then was Superintendent of schools in Bourbon, MO, from 1980 until 1988, when he retired.  He and Betty moved to Kirksville in 1993.

Merlin worked summer jobs in construction and transportation, but his real love was on the family farm.  He assumed responsibilities there when his father died in 1968.  He also enjoyed playing bridge.  He was a wonderful caregiver for Betty when she became ill in her later years.  Merlin attended the Princeton Methodist church, was a Mason, and a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association.

Merlin is survived by two sons, Merlin Chris Shelton of Clinton, MO, and Basil Craig Shelton of San Francisco, CA; and one daughter, Cathy Jean Shelton of Milan, MO.  He is also survived by one grandson, Kiddee Charoenpanitkul, and two sisters, Cheryl Faye (Rodney) Otteman of Oregon City, OR, and Jennifer Carol (Bill) Fowler of Tampa, FL.  Three sisters-in-law also survive: Alve Shelton, Wilda Hoover, and Blanche Fowler, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Merlin was preceded in death by an infant son, Brent; two brothers, Dr. Raymond O. Shelton and John Charles Shelton; and two sisters, Mildred Annabelle Clark and Mary Genevieve DiFrederico.

Funeral services for Merlin Shelton will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 27, 2014 with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery, Unionville, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the Unionville Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO  63565.