Roy L. Shelton

Roy L. Shelton Sept. 17, 1921 - Oct. 7, 2010. SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - Roy was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Willard and Inez Shelton and raised in Watertown, South Dakota. Roy served in World War II in Anzio, Italy, as a court marshal clerk; this was because he could type and take short hand. Shortly after arriving in Italy he joined the U.S. Army band and continued playing with the band until the end of the war. When he returned to his home in Watertown, he completed his Bachelor's Degree at South Dakota State and started taking flying lessons. Other than his family, the two loves of his life were music and flying. Roy was recently honored for being a licensed pilot for over 50 years. Roy and his parents moved to Oregon in 1947 where he attended Willamette University and completed his Bachelor's Degree in Music. Roy also completed his Master's Degree in Education at Willamette University. Roy met Carol Kunz in 1948 at a church function and they were married on Nov. 22, 1949. Married for over 60 years, they raised their family and worked and lived in Keizer, Oregon, since 1955. Roy taught 5th and 6th grade music in the Salem/Keizer School district for 35 years. During this time he and Carol raised three children Laurie, David and James. He played in dance bands, taught private music lessons, started a music instrument repair business, built his own experimental airplane, flew his own Cessna 182 for the Civil Air Patrol search and rescue, helped his son Jim build his experimental airplane, helped to start the Keizer Community Band and traveled extensively with his family and wife. Even with all of Roy's commitments, he always had time for his family and friends. During his career as a teacher he touched the lives of many young people through his kind and gentle way. Roy is survived by his wife, Carol; three children, Laura, David, James; and four grandchildren, Sarah, Katie, Sydney and Allie. A celebration of life will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 at Virgil T Golden Funeral Service. Contributions in his name may be made to the Keizer Community Band or the Humane Society.