George Roy Shelton, 93, of Opdyke, Illinois, passed away at 5:50 pm May 10, 2025, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He was born April 16, 1932, in Pendelton Township, Illinois, to the late Raymond D. and Beulah Evelyn (Smith) Shelton. George married Coretta (Rogers) Shelton on September 12, 1953, in Mount Vernon, Illinois. They were blessed with sixty-seven years of marriage before she preceded him in death on April 14, 2021.
George is survived by his daughters, Karen Jean Helpingstine of Mount Vernon, Linda Kay Patterson and husband, Robert of Opdyke, Judith Joliene Shehorn and husband, Vincent of Mount Vernon, and Georgeanna Boughers and husband, Larry of Opdyke; grandchildren, Ryan Helpingstine and wife, Georgette of Texico, Illinois, Matthew Helpingstine of Kinmundy, Illinois and wife, Michelle of Mount Vernon, Aaron Helpingstine and wife, Lindsay of Walnut Hill, Illinois, Michael Helpingstine and wife, Beth of Saint Louis, Missouri, Charles Smith and fiancée, Rachael Curtis of West Frankfort, Illinois, Rachel K. Cook and husband, Dale of Zeigler, Illinois, Robert Keith Patterson and wife, Jessi of Mesa, Arizona, Kelly Wayne Patterson and wife, Gema of Casa Grande, Arizona, Shannon Henry and husband, Brad of Opdyke, George Wade Shehorn and fiancée, Cassandra Huston of Mount Vernon, Larry Payton “Tres” Smith III and wife, Taylor of Ina, Illinois, and Mallory Bullington and husband, Kile of Mount Vernon; thirty-one great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Delores Shelton of Mount Vernon and Mary Shelton of Lockport, Illinois.
In addition to his parents and wife, George was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond, Harold, Junior, David F., James D., Edward Lee, and John Lloyd Shelton; sister, Eva Darlene Vannatta; and sisters-in-law, Jean Iris Shelton, Delsie Shelton, Vera Shelton, and Brenda Shelton.
Mr. Shelton started his career at Mount Vernon Car Shops and then Mount Vernon Stove Foundry. He later worked as a custodian at Opdyke Grade School for ten years. During his various careers, George farmed his entire life. He was a member of Opdyke Baptist Church and Buck High Saddle Club.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Mr. Marty Mills officiating. Interment will follow at Opdyke Cemetery in Opdyke, Illinois. Memorials may be made in George’s honor to the Opdyke Cemetery.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
