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Rowdy Shackelford Obituary
San angelo
Rowdy Shackelford, 85, of San Angelo, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
Rowdy was born March 18, 1930, in Marathon, Texas, to the late Lyndell and Merle Gulihur Shackelford.
He was a heavy equipment operator in San Angelo for over 40 years, even returning to it after his initial retirement.
He met and married the love of his life, Helen Morton, on July 23, 1983, here in San Angelo.
Rowdy served in the US Army, 1st Calvary Division, during the Korean War Operation Commando and was wounded in action on Oct. 3, 1951. He was a longtime member of the Purple Heart, Chapter 740, and a lifetime member and former Commander of VFW Post 1815. He was also a longtime member of the Business Men's Bible Class at Rio Concho Manor and was a member of the First Methodist Church in Marathon.
Rowdy loved his family and spending quality time with them, especially his grandkids and now walks hand in hand in Heaven with his granddaughter, Brandi. He was an extremely avid story teller and would tell story's to anyone who would listen.
Rowdy was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Lois Farris and Janie Lindsey.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Helen Shackelford of San Angelo; stepchildren Sal and Linda Martinez of San Angelo, Jerry and Jody Guest of Big Spring, Sharon and Robert Baker of Big Spring and Kathy and Steve Wilha of Haltom City; brother Mackey J. Shackelford and his wife, Marilyn of Marathon; brother-in-law Dewayne Lindsey of Rankin; and numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation, remembrance and "story telling" will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Johnson's Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Johnson's Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Darrell Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be members of the Purple Heart and honorary pallbearers will be his sons in law and grandsons.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Purple Heart Chapter 740, (325) 227-2051 or can be sent c/o the family.
Family and friends may express condolences and sign the online guest book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rowdy Shackelford
Del Pfranger
February 5, 2016
I shall miss our story swapping at our weekly VFW coffee's, Rowdy. Even though we both stood staunch on our convictions, we were good friends. Our condolences to Helen and the family on their loss of a true Patriot.
Jeri Avery Skinner
February 5, 2016
Rowdy will be deeply missed at our family gatherings, one of my favorite cousins, a loving, caring, and humorous person who kept us all laughing. There was never a dull moment when he was around! I could sit for hours and listen to him recount the many adventures and shenanigans he and my other family members all got into growing up. "Rowdy, you will never be forgotten."
Ken, Linda and Marilee----
February 5, 2016
Rowdy, you are one of the most beautiful people, inside and out, who anyone could ever know. Your face showed it all with your twinkley eyes and a forever smile on your face. You must be lighting up Heaven . Give them all hugs from us.
Ken SHURLEY , Linda Holt and Marilee Campa
Veteran's Day "Hand Exhibit"
Cecilia Diaz
February 4, 2016
Cecilia Diaz
February 4, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Shakelford Family. Mr. Shakelford allowed me to take a photo of his beautiful hands holding his Purple Heart for the "Hand Exhibit" on Veterans Day of last year. Please e-mail me: [email protected] I would love to give you a copy of his hands, they brought tears to many people who went to see the exhibit. RIP Mr. Shakelford, and thank you for all you did.
Donna Morton
February 3, 2016
Rowdy, rest in peace. Bill and I were so happy when you and Helen married. I am sure Bill was there at the golden gate waiting to welcome you and Brandi home.
Sam & Marjorie Green
February 3, 2016
Our deepest sympathy for you and family. Our prayers are with you. God Bless.
Nonita Brown
February 3, 2016
The Shackelford/Gulihur families have lost one great historian. He loved telling about the "old days" and knew them by heart......names, dates, places. Rest in peace, Give Daddy (Fred) & Janey a big hug for me! Luv ya, Cousin Snookie
February 3, 2016
I am sad to read of the passing of Rowdy. He was always so kind and nice to be around when we were working at the food bank. He will be missed by all.
Katherine
Robert Torres
February 3, 2016
Rest in peace. Our prayers with the family. The American legion Post #32
Lynn Duncan
February 3, 2016
Prayers for peace & healing for you ALL!! May your sweet memories carry you through this difficult time.
Hugs & Love, Lynn Duncan & Elta Long
Linda Martinez
February 2, 2016
Rowdy you were the best stepdad anyone could have ever ask for Sal & I Love you so very much. You always had a smile and a story to tell. We were all so blessed to have had you in our lives. You and Brandi take care of each other and watch over us.
Cristina & Shaune Ferguson
February 2, 2016
I was lucky enough to meet this beautiful soul when I came to visit and stay with them a few years back. Much love sent to all of his family and especially to Helen. A love like yours is so rare, such a beautiful love!
Jody and Sharon Morton
February 2, 2016
thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow.. May God wrap his arms around each of you to give you strength and comfort.
Bobby and Sharon Baker
February 2, 2016
Rowdy, you are so special to so many people. We were so lucky the day you walked in to our lives. Thank you for being a great Dad and the best Grandpa that we could all ask for. You are loved more than you could ever know.
Forrest Guest
February 2, 2016
My family and I are praying for all the family. We know words can't console you at this time , but know you are all being prayed for and loved.
Nicole Schaefer
February 2, 2016
I love all of you and some of you may not know me but I am Brandis (his grand daughter) best friend. I wish I could take all the pain away.. please know I am thinking of all of you!
Kathy Wilha
February 2, 2016
Rowdy we will miss you more then you will ever know I could not hack ask for a better Grandpa for the kids. We love you Steve and Kathy Wilha
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