David W. Shelton

David Wilburn Shelton David Wilburn Shelton, 79, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was born on July 12, 1933 and went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at his home with his family by his side. His parents were William Alexander and Lelia Mae Shelton. He was the last born of ten children. His schooling was at Irving Elementary, A.R. Jr. High and graduating in 1951 from Muskogee Central High School. At an earlier age he played football and continued playing as an A.R. Warrior and a Muskogee Rougher. Playing as a center, he played in the Oil Bowl in May 1951. He learned great lessons from Paul Young and Bud Wilkinson at O.U. and Rousey, Lander and Wadley at N.S.U. He attended O.U. for two years on an athletic scholarship and then went to N.S.U. where he received his Bachelor and Master degree. He was a member of Academic Rho Theta Sigma and Chaplain of Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity. As a young boy he had delivered newspapers on his horse since he had no bike. He learned to milk cows and garden from his father. Often he delivered flowers for Cagle’s Flowers. Janie and Max Boydston were two of his very close friends. He and Janie always planned many of the ’51 class reunions. As a young teenager he was saved and baptized at Boulevard Christian Church. As a newlywed he joined the Baptist faith and was baptized by Rev. Carlos Knight in Fort Gibson. Of course, they talked football before he was baptized. He married Jacqueline Delmotte in Okmulgee on August 13, 1954, a union of 58 years. He and Jacqueline first lived in Fort Gibson in 1954. She taught elementary school as he finished his Bachelor Degree commuting to N.S.U. Later he worked in O.K.C. at Commercial Finance, then in construction of Okmulgee on Hwy 75. He also pipelined in New Mexico. While at A.R. for 11 years, he taught PE classes, wresting and football. He also coached, and refereed, wrestling and football. One big event at Indian Bowl was the birth place of the President Kennedy physical fitness program with Alph Stanphil and David. It was a huge group exercising to music called “The Rougher”. Later he worked for the State of Oklahoma as a Rehab Counselor, putting in 18 years and retiring in 1986. He was ordained as a deacon at Eastern Heights Baptist in 1964. He taught Sunday School, was a V.B.S. principal and a Sunday School Director. David became a Mason, then a Shriner and “winning the ring” in 1977. He served as Secretary over 25 years for Golden Rule. He was also with Eastern Private Industry as a Counselor for 13 years. He was a member of N.S.U. Muskogee Booster Club and a lifetime Alumni member. He served on their Hall of Fame Committee and Muskogee’s also. He enjoyed breakfast on a weekly basis with his classmates, the “R.O.M.E.O.” group. ROMEO stands for “Retired Old Men Eating Oatmeal”. David wanted to be an organ donor but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. David was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers; two sisters; one daughter, Sandi Coltharp and one grandson, David Coltharp. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline of the home; children, Sheryl Shelton, Stacy Shelton, J.D. Shelton and wife Kerri of Muskogee. Son in law Dan Coltharp of Fort Gibson; grandchildren, Bubby and Sheril Morgan, Nik and Stephanie Morgan, Jordan and Amber Morgan, Cristy Coltharp, Paul and Ashley Coltharp, Jeremy Coltharp, Kyle and Jamie Shelton, Danielle and Stephanie Shelton; great-grandchildren, Kort, Dylan and Taylor Morgan, Easton and Jaxson Morgan, Beckette, Koal and Sage Shelton, Bailee, Audrey and David II Coltharp.

David W. Shelton

July 12, 1933 - November 1, 2012