Leonard Stanley Shelton

Leonard Stanley Shelton was born August 3, 1956 to Ola A. Shelton and Anna “Irene” (Newell) Shelton in Crocker, Missouri. His family moved into Camden County where Leonard grew up and attended school, graduating from Richland High School in 1974. Leonard began his life long career at Osage Beach Airport; and was a valued employee there for over forty years; retiring only due to his health battles. Leonard enjoyed his job and looked forward to each day there. He had many lifelong friends that he made throughout his career there. Leonard made a profession of faith and was baptized on September 25, 2016, and was a beloved member of Elm Grove Baptist Church. On October 1, 1994, Leonard was united in marriage to Sunday Christine “Chris” Long at the family farm in Richland, Missouri. They were blessed with four wonderful children, Melissa Ann, Michael Lynn, Michael David, and Natasha Marie. Family, and times spent together were deeply important to Leonard and Chris; their home was filled with love, a few heartaches, and a lot of silly antics filled with laughter as they traveled through life together for over forty years. Leonard enjoyed many other things in life such as caring for his farm, horseback riding, holiday target practice with Tannerite, hunting, fishing, doing leather work, swap meets, pheasant hunting, and aggravating anyone in sight for a good chuckle. Leonard especially got a charge out of being ornery with his best buds, Wayne and David and his farm “boss” Kenny, who never really did it right anyway. Having a good time and causing a ruckus was fun for Leonard and he was always up to something. Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always an easy way to see his softer side. Leonard would never hesitate to let anyone tag-along or teach them something he knew. On the afternoon of Saturday, April 18, 2026, Leonard left his earthly home in Richland, Missouri having attained the age of 69, with his loving wife, and family surrounding him, Leonard journeyed home to Heaven. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ola and Irene Shelton, twin brothers, Jimmy and Jerry Shelton, and one son, Michael Lynn “Fish” Shelton. Leonard leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife, Chris Shelton of the home; three children: Melissa Ann Shelton of Richland, MO, Michael David Shelton, and Natasha Marie (Pat) Thompson of Camdenton, MO; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Jane Shelton of Hazel Green, MO, Dennis Shelton of Richland, MO, Lonnie Shelton of the state of TX, Dale Shelton of the state of WA, and Donna Paul of Richland, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Leonard had a good heart. He wouldn’t care to help you if you needed him to. He was a man who meant what he said…and said what he meant, so ya better be ready. Leonard was totally devoted to his family. His ornery sense of humor touched the lives of all who knew him and his legacy will be cherished by his family, friends, and community. Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Luke Malott officiating. Favorite recorded music included, “Chicken Train”- Ozark Mountain Daredevils, “The Box”- Randy Travis, “I Wish Grandpas Never Died”- Riley Green “Three Wooden Crosses”- Randy Travis, “Grandpa”- The Judds, and “Hallelujah”- by Sabreena Meads. Escorts included Kenny Davidson, TY Dinsdale, Cliff Thompson, Eli Schmidt, Caleb Gill, and Dom Merriman. Honorary escorts included Wayne Burns, Dave Robinett, Rick Russell, and Melvin Ellett. Burial followed in the Elm Grove Church Cemetery near Richland, MO. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Leonard Stanley Shelton and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Leonard Stanley Shelton

August 3, 1956 - April 18, 2026