John Dale Shelton

John Dale Shelton, affectionately known as Johnny to all who knew and loved him took his last breath and went to be with the lord and other family members. January 25, 2025. Born on May 4, 1962, in La Porte, Indiana, Johnny's zest for life was as unmistakable as the roar of a classic '69 Nova engine-a car he revered above all others.Johnny's journey through life was as colorful and vibrant as the classic cars he loved to restore. A proud graduate of LaPorte High School in 1980, he honed his skills at Wyoming Tech School, where he graduated in 1984, ready to leave his mark on the world. In 1986, Johnny's adventurous spirit took him to Ketchikan, Alaska, where he opened his own body shop, Head On Collision, and later expanded his empire with a towing business in 1990. He was a father figure to his nephews Josh, James, and Joe who he moved to Alaska while living there. His passion for service blazed as brightly as his welding torch, and he volunteered with the Ketchikan fire department, embodying the spirit of community.The road took another turn when Johnny cruised down to Show Low in 1998, and then to El Mirage eventually ending up in Glendale where he joined the crew at Larry Miller Collision Center, dedicating 17 years to perfecting the art of un-bending fenders and straightening frames. In 2022, he found his true calling with Select Auto Body, a place where wrenches and laughter were always in perfect alignment, and coworkers became comrades in arms.Johnny's love story with Alesha, his wife, was the kind that could ignite a thousand torches and keep them burning eternally. They tied the knot on March 28, 2014, and their love was the envy of romantics and pyromaniacs alike. Together, they invented aquatic sports that would make even the most seasoned Olympian blush, and their creative pool games became the stuff of backyard legend.The Shelton clan was Johnny's pride and joy, with his children Stache, Chillin, Firecracker, Aroma, Oreo, and Sweetheart adding to his legacy of love and laughter. His siblings-Ron, Diana, Mary, Robin, and Tim-shared in the countless memories of a life well-lived. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lois Shelton, his mentor John Harmon, his brother Harold (Doc) Shelton, and his sister Pam Wickett, who surely welcomed him with open arms and a hearty chuckle at the pearly gates.Johnny was the king of pranks, the mastermind of merriment, and the life of every party. His love for automotive restoration was only matched by his knack for turning every gathering into an impromptu comedy club. He could plank in places you wouldn't think had enough room for a Chihuahua, and his foray into skydiving was as unexpected as finding a socket wrench in a cereal box.His creativity knew no bounds, whether he was conjuring up a new project around the house or convincing his beloved yellow lab, Baxter, that boating was just as much a dog's life as fetching sticks. His furbabies were his heart's delight, and the endless hours spent with them created a treasure trove of cherished memories.Johnny leaves behind a legacy of laughter, creativity, and boundless love. His ability to find humor in the nuts and bolts of life, to craft joy out of thin air, and to love with the intensity of a blowtorch, will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to share in his extraordinary journey.So, as we bid farewell to Johnny, let's crank up the tunes, rev up our engines, and celebrate the man who taught us that life, much like a classic car, is all about the ride. Johnny, you'll forever be the master mechanic in the sky, tuning the clouds to perfection and keeping the stars shining bright with your brilliant wit. Keep the laughter rolling, and save us a spot at the ultimate pool party, will ya?In lieu of flowers please send donations to the family. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.