Larry Wayne Shelton was born January 26, 1947, in Dora, MO, to Leroy Shelton and Jewell M. (Egan) Shelton. The oldest of four boys. He entered his heavenly home on January 14, 2022, at the age of 74 years.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pauletta J. (Payne) Shelton; four children, Cindi Kilmer (Dwight), Willard; Lisa Dills (Curtis), Springfield; Tami Shelton, Springfield, and Larry Paul Shelton, Springfield; thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.

He worked as an automotive mechanic, specializing in VW and foreign cars, building rail dune buggies and kit cars until he retired in 2009. Prior to his retirement, he enjoyed building and racing dirt track race cars. He was always willing to teach anyone who would listen the skills he learned through the years at the "Busted Knuckle Academy". His love for auto mechanics was passed down to his son and grandsons.

Larry loved fishing at Warsaw, Stockton, Talley Bend and Bryant. He also enjoyed hunting, camping, gardening, country and blue grass music and watching old John Wayne westerns. Dogwood trees, dirt roads, old mills and creek beds were among his favorite things. He loved growing roses and drinking his coffee black.

Above all this, he enjoyed time with his family, sitting on the porch swing and KFC.

No one could out do his biscuits and gravy. He loved to cook and feed anyone who "stopped by" and you never left hungry.

The family would like to thank you all for your prayers and thoughtfulness during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held from 12:30-1:30 Thursday, January 20th, at Midwest Cremation and funeral Services, 2026 W. Woodland St. with graveside services to follow in Hazelwood Cemetery at 2:00pm.