Richard (Dick) Lee Shelton was born May 5, 1935 in Sheridan, WY and passed away December 4, 2018 at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. He is proceeded in death by his parents Dale and Evelyn Shelton. Dick grew up out on a dairy farm in Big Goose. He was a member of the 4H Club. After graduating from high school Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 2 years in the Korean War. He was presented with a National Defense Medal. On May 26, 1958 Dick married Elizabeth Bentley at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hardin, MT. They were blessed to welcome 3 wonderful children.
He worked for Metz Beverage for several years before becoming the city utility director for the city of Sheridan. Dick was praised by Mayor Russel York as someone who was knowledgeable of all phases of water and sewer operations. He was an integrate part of designing the Sheridan Water and Sewer Plant. Once completed Dick moved onto becoming the Vice President of the Powder River Area Planning Organization which was a waste management project of Sheridan and Johnson County. March 27, 1978 he started with Decker Coal. Dick was an instrumental part of starting the East Decker Water Treatment Plant. He was in charge of various labor department crews. Dick was commended for logging over 60,000 hours with no loss time accidents. He remained with Decker Coal until his retirement on January 1, 1999. After retirement, Dick kept himself busy by driving the school bus for Sheridan School District #2 for close to 10 years. A job which he enjoyed very much.
Dick was involved with many organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Elks lodge #520, 50 year pin as a Mason in the Masonic Lodge #8, Scottish Rite and York Rite, member of the Kalif Temple, ROJ Sheridan Court #135, past president of the Big Horn Mountains Snomads, past president and continuing member of the Big Horn Mountains Cabin Owners Association. He loved spending time with family at the cabin and staying involved with friends.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Elizabeth Shelton. As well as his children: Beth Paschal (Jim) Banner, Debbie Gundloch (Calvin) of Colbert, WA, Rick (Christina) of Sheridan. His sister Donna (Chuck) Lee of Sheridan, Niece Mary Dailey-Smith of Sheridan, Nephew Dan Dailey of Great Falls MT. And his grandchildren Amy Neihart ( Robbie) of Billings, MT, James Semler of Denver, CO, Colton and Gracee Gundloch of Colbert, WA. Great-grand children Jackson and Keegan Neihart of Billings, MT and Marie Shelton of Sheridan, WY, Great Nieces Chelsey and Shauna Dailey, Great Nephews Shawn, Bryan, Mitchell Dailey, Great Great Nephews Hayden, Kyler, Creedyn and Kyzin.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.
