Raymond Ray Shelton, Sr., 84, of Bellmead, Texas, was called into eternal joy on Wednesday evening, July 20, 2016, from the farm he loved to work.

Family visitation will be held Sunday, July 24, 2016 from 5-7 pm, with services at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bellmead at 10 am on Monday, July 25, 2016.

Raymond was born to Robert Roy and Antonette Shelton on April 25, 1932 in Houston, TX. Raymond married Helen Laverne Krezer on July 12, 1949, spending 58 wonderful years together until her passing in 2007.

They came to the Waco/Bellmead area in 1954, where they became charter members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bellmead. Raymond and Helen proudly raised five children in the Lutheran faith, demonstrating their love of Christ, love for each other, and the love of their family and extended family.

Raymond served as a Boy Scout Leader for many years, achieving membership in the coveted Order of the Arrow and receiving the distinguished Silver Beaver award.

Raymond was a working man who learned the plumbing trade from Mr. R.P. Williams. Companies he served included Thompson & Jumper Plumbing, Hill Plumbing and Lochridge-Priest Plumbing.

Raymond was the owner of Shelton Plumbing, Inc. in Waco, retiring in April, 1997. Raymond was a collector of many things: tractors, tractor parts, vintage cars and more. He loved to tinker in his shop and became quite a woodworker, building and installing many cabinets in his home with Helen and at church. Raymond never met a stranger. His kindness could only be sometimes overshadowed by his sense of humor, another endearing quality. He traveled with Helen and family in a motor home to Bluegrass Music festivals, camping grounds, fishing trips and family reunions. Raymond proudly earned the name "Cinnamon Roll Man" by helping Helen in the kitchen and distributing delicious cinnamon rolls.

Raymond was "Daddy" or "Pop" to his children and friends of his children. He was also known as "Paw-Paw" or "Pee-Paw" to grand and great-grandchildren alike, always ready to tease and tickle without mercy.

Birthday parties and holiday celebrations were always a little more lively with Pop!

Along with Helen, Raymond was also preceded in death by brothers, Franklin and Lee Roy Shelton, sister, Robbie Lee Wolf, daughter in-laws Joyce Shelton and Teresa Shelton, and great-granddaughter Megan Kay Michulka.

Raymond is survived by brother Willie Shelton and wife Frances of Lexington, TX and sister Louise Niemtschk of Channelview, TX. Raymond leaves his children to cherish memories and continue in the "Shelton Way": sons: Raymond Shelton, Jr. and wife Margie of China Spring, TX;, Rodney Shelton and wife Judy of Bellmead, TX; Ricky Shelton and wife Fran of Crawford, TX; daughters: Helen "Kay" Owen and husband Gene of Waco, TX; and Karen Shelton of Bellmead, TX. Also cherishing Raymond's tickles are grandchildren and great-grandchildren Michelle, Brian, Hunter and Hailey Strickland; Chris and Dani Owen; Kevin and Cindy Owen; Jennifer and Keith Price; Jeremy Worley; Melissa, Randy and Gavin Michulka; Heather and David Faulk; Lauren Shelton and fianc�e' Colby Elkins; Brandon Shelton; Brianna, Kyle and Brooklyn Huntstiger; and Nicholas Shelton and fianc�e' Taylor Hodge. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends, including 'adopted' daughters Alison Dillon and Brenda Scott and son Arnold Blair, and very special friend Barbara Stone.

Pall Bearers for Raymond include Brian Strickland, Hunter Strickland, Kevin Owen, Jeremy Worley, Keith Price, Randy Michulka, David Faulk, Colby Elkins, Brandon Shelton, Nicholas Shelton, and Kyle Huntstiger. Honorary Pall Bearers are Chris Owen, Gavin Michulka, Arnold Blair and Bobby Meyer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bellmead, TX.