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Robert SHELTON Obituary

SHELTON, Robert Mr. "Old Tucson" took his last ride and had his final "it's a wrap" on December 15, 2016. He walked this earth for almost 96 years before dying of natural causes. He was born to Rose and George in Columbus, Ohio on March 21, 1921. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his children, Candace (Ginger), Robert Jr. (Janet) and Stacy Ruppert; grandchildren, Ashley, Brittany and Chase Ruppert; Robbe and Chad Shelton. As an infant he moved to Kansas City, MO where he grew up, worked and married. He developed country clubs in the mid-west before moving to Tucson in 1958 to develop Old Tucson. In the 60's, 70's and mid 80's, he turned the old western town into the second largest tourist attraction in Arizona next to the Grand Canyon. He added a sound stage to Old Tucson that brought movies and economic prosperity to Southern Arizona. He called John Wayne, Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor friends among many others who starred and worked in the 330 movies that were shot at Old Tucson and Southern Arizona. He served on many boards and was a past member of the Mountain Oyster Club, and Rotary International. He was always active in the Tucson community and the recipient of many awards and recognitions for his contributions to the community. There will be a Celebration of his life Saturday, January 28, 2017 at a time and location to be announced. The family asks if you want to make a remembrance in his name, please donate to ALOHA, the Adult Loss of Hearing Association, 4001 E. Ft. Lowell, Tucson, AZ 85712. www.alohaaz.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert SHELTON

Not sure what to say?





Bob Williams

November 22, 2017

I just learned of Bob's passing at the American Film Market, that we had attended together, so many times.Mymemories
of Bob go back to Cimarron,the opening of Old Tucson, Dale Robertson's wedding, Polo, many tennis matches nights at the MO Club, & the Productions we did in Old Tucson & Benson. you were a true FRIEND to me & my Father. It is an Honor to have known You & I hope that we can ride together once again. You leave a void in the
Old West

Brian Grundhoefer

January 26, 2017

Till we meet again!

January 1, 2017

It was an honor to meet Bob on his Birthday at McMahon's. Bob picked me out of the crowd called me over and told me I was doing the right thing in spite of what a reporter said about me. He gave me good advice on life and thanked me for all I had done for Tucson. Vernon

Carla Kerekes Martin

December 27, 2016

Bob Shelton was a close and dear friend. I am proud to have been able to spend time over the years with Bob including several days during his last week. He was an inspiring, creative, forward thinking man with immense vision of what "Could Be" and he was the man who could bring those visions to life. He created a movie studio in an abandoned old west set. Over 100 famous and famous actors and actresses made films, television series and their living there because of his vision. John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, Kurt Russell, Lee Marvin and Michael Landon to name a few. He put the sleepy, small Arizona town on the "MAP", not only in the US but throughout Europe. Tucson owes a debt of gratitude to Bob Shelton that cannot be overstated.
I was truly blessed to know him, to be with him on his last visit to Old Tucson the first weekend in December. I was honored to be asked to help in part of the planning for his wedding to Carolyn this past March. Carolyn is a truly gracious and wonderful lady who brought such love and joy to Bob. It was a true blessing to spend time with Bob, Carolyn, Bob's daughter Candi and son Rob. It was a true blessing to be with him in his final days and even more by having him as a dear, kind,and trusted friend. With Love,
Carla Kerekes Martin.

Tim Murphy

December 27, 2016

I know how much my father, Lew Murphy cared about Bob and how Bob felt about my dad. They were very good friends who shared so many memories, parties, tennis tourneys, and meaningful friendships with so many. Seems like yesterday when my dad was planning your 75th birthday. God bless Bob Shelton and give my dad a hug for me.

Trish Gorospe

December 25, 2016

Sonny & Trish Gorospe from Sun Sounds



































Sonny & Trish Gorospe from Sun Sounds

R.I.P. Bob

Barbara French

December 25, 2016

My deepest sympathy to you Candy and your family....

Lauren Serpa

December 24, 2016

God Bless Bob. I enjoyed working with you on a few occasions. My mother (Louise Serpa) is with you now, Knowing her she was waiting with a Tequila for you. RIP Bob, your life was full, you should be proud. Job well done.

December 24, 2016

My sincere condolences to your family. May God "who comforts us in all our trials" (2 Cor 1:4) comfort you and your family at such a difficult time. I know God will help you to endure because he cares for you (1Peter 5 :7).

December 22, 2016

You were a Gentleman's Gentleman and you will be sorely missed. God Speed

Gloria

December 21, 2016

My condolences to Caroline and Family.

Joan Liess

December 20, 2016

What a wonderful legacy you shared with Tucson, Arizona and those of us lucky enough to have worked with you at Old Tucson. Peace, dear friend.

Angie

December 20, 2016

Godspeed, Mr. Shelton, and thank you for Old Tucson. I have many fond memories thanks to you. RIP.

Dennis Leoni

December 19, 2016

Farewell, Mr. Shelton. You were truly a man of great vision who allowed us to walk the dusty streets of Old Tucson, guns hung low, ready for a show. You built a town, created opportuntiy and gave men and women a chance to live by a code of the Old West. We will all be forever grateful.

December 19, 2016

Thank you for your kindness over all these years. You will be etched in our Tucson hearts forever. Now enjoy that huge movie scree above❤

Dennis Leoni

December 19, 2016

Mr. Shelton gave us all an oppotunity to walk the dusty streets of Old Tucson, guns slung low, ready for the show. He was a man of vision who built a town, built an opportunity and built men and women of character, a code, and of the Old West. He will not be forgotten by any of us. His legacy lives on.

Linda Nelson

December 19, 2016

RIP Mr. Shelton. It was always interesting to listen to you talk about the movies & stars you knew. OTS was never the same without you.

Charles Ingraham

December 19, 2016

I will truly miss you. You have made a lot of people happy an made their dreams come true,with old Tucson. Not good bye,
But till we meet again.

Two old timers.

Jack Young

December 19, 2016

Bob Shelton, my friend and mentor, I will miss you but carry you in my heart with whatever is left for me. I will see you soon, my friend. Adios. "Blackjack".

Sherrod Baden

December 19, 2016

Godspeed, Mr. Shelton

Gerry Loew

December 19, 2016

Although our encounters over the last 50 + years were brief, I will always cherish memories of our time together. A kind man with a heart of gold. Old Tucson was an amazing place as a kid and Bob was responsible for that. You will be missed but your spirit will remain there! RIP Bob XX from the Tucson Loews.

December 19, 2016

I loved this man : ) I worked with him for a couple of years at Tucson Electric Park. He was so kind and I loved to listen to him tell stories about the "old days at Old Tucson." He was the sweetest man ever!! You never know who you are going to meet in life who will stay with you forever in your heart...and Bob will always be on of those people.

December 18, 2016

Bob I regret that we didn't get to have that breakfast we talked about earlier this year.
..I enjoyed my visits with you through the years..especially when I would see you at CoCo's restaurant on Campbell..I will always remember you as a friendly down to earth man who was always willing to share some of your time with me...Jim Slone

Mark Tovsen

December 18, 2016

Thank you Bob for your vision and hard work which changed mine. I am honored to have known you. My condolences to the family.

hana ripp

December 18, 2016

An incredible human being - left a huge mark on society ..may his memory be a blessing

December 18, 2016

A great gentleman! A friend delightful person and wonderful family! It was an honor to call him a freind!
Lillian Curtis

December 18, 2016

Robert Shelton was my father in law for 35 years, grandfather to my children Robbe, Chad and Charise. You were loved so very much by us all and you will be missed so very much! God bless and rest in piece! Love you

Tom Hervey

December 18, 2016

I worked on the management team of Old Tucson in the early 80's. Bob was always very kind to me and I learned a lot from him. He was a true gentlemen and a class act. God bless his family at this time.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

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