May 8, 2008

Lawrence J. Shelton, 89, of Independence, passed away April 20, 2008, at the VA Hospital in Kansas City. Lawrence was born Sept. 14, 1918, in Ava to Della Mae (Sanders) and Blaine Shelton. He spent his youth growing up and being educated in rural Douglas County, and then served his country in World War II. Later he took a position with General Motors-Leeds, retiring after 32 years of service. Lawrence married Bette Singleton of Douglas County, and one son was born to that union. After Bette passed away Lawrence married Betty Mann and they shared many special years together. Lawrence is survived by his wife, Betty Shelton, Independence; one son, Mike Shelton, of Kansas City, Kan.; a stepson, Bruce Mann and wife, Cathy; granddaughters Melissa Chamberlain and Melinda Vincent; great-grandsons Eli and Dax Vincent; one brother, Norman Shelton and wife, Connie, of Phoenix, Ariz.; one sister, Geneva Mitchell, of Medford, Ore.; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many cousins of the Shelton, Sanders, and Spurlock families in Douglas County. Funeral services for Lawrence were held at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 24, at the Noland Road Baptist Church in Independence. Burial followed with full military honors at the Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, under direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home in Kansas City.