Frederick W. Shelton

Frederick W. Shelton, of Lyons, died of natural causes Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006, in Lyons. He was 82.

The son of George Shelton and Wilhelmina Bell Shelton, he was born Jan. 3, 1924, in Highland Park, Ill. He married Mildred Lucille Bowman on Dec. 27, 1946, in Butler, Ill. They divorced. He married Donnie Finch Zoner on June 11, 1978, in Boulder.

Mr. Shelton moved to Boulder in 1954 and to Lyons in 1992.

A graduate of Highland Park High School, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific Theater.

He ran a popular restaurant, Fred's Steakhouse and later Fred's Restaurant, in downtown Boulder for 31 years, from May 24, 1954, until Nov. 2, 1985.

He also was a musician. At age 49, he learned to play guitar and soon began crooning to his customers. Shortly after, he began recording; his catalog includes five CDs, a DVD and a new video.

He gave his first live concert at the Boulder Public Library Auditorium at age 80, and recorded the last song he wrote, "Takin' It Slow," one month before his death.

A former Toastmaster, Mr. Shelton enjoyed cooking, music and helping people.

"He will always be remembered for his warmth and wonderful sense of humor," his family said.

Survivors include his wife, of Lyons; one son, Frederick R. Shelton, of LaPorte, Ind.; three daughters, Linda Shelton, of Gallup, N.M., Brenda Larter, of Woodsville, Mass., and Sandra Fagan, of Denver; a stepson, Jarvis Zoner, of Erie; a stepdaughter, Kim Zoner, of Lyons; a brother, Robert Shelton, of Bisbee, Ariz.; two sisters, Dorothy Knapple, of Laveen, Ariz., and Susan Knapple, of Sequim, Wash.; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory handled cremation.

No services will be held.

Contributions may be sent to the Frederick W. Shelton Memorial Fund, care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry St., Longmont.