Dates
Rowdy Shackelford, 85, of San Angelo, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 1, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
Rowdy was born March 18, 1930 in Marathon, Texas to the late Lyndell and Merle Gulihur Shackelford. He was a heavy equipment operator in San Angelo for over 40 years, even returning to it after his initial retirement. He met and married the love of his life, Helen Morton, on July 23, 1983 here in San Angelo.
Rowdy served in the US Army, 1st Calvary Division, during the Korean War Operation Commando and was wounded in action on October 3, 1951. He was a longtime member of the Purple Heart, Chapter 740, and a lifetime member and former Commander of VFW Post 1815. He was also a longtime member of the Business Men's Bible Class at Rio Concho Manor and was a member of the First Methodist Church in Marathon.
Rowdy loved his family and spending quality time with them, especially his grandkids and now walks hand in hand in Heaven with his granddaughter, Brandi. He was an extremely avid story teller and would tell story's to anyone who would listen.
Rowdy was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Lois Farris and Janie Lindsey.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Helen Shackelford of San Angelo; step children, Sal and Linda Martinez of San Angelo, Jerry and Jody Guest of Big Spring, Sharon and Robert Baker of Big Spring and Kathy and Steve Wilha of Haltom City; brother, Mackey J. Shackelford and his wife Marilyn of Marathon, brother in law, Dewayne Lindsey of Rankin; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation, remembrance and "story telling" will be held 6:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday at Johnson's Funeral Home. Services will be held 1:00 PM Thursday at Johnson's Funeral Chapel with Rev. Darrell Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be members of the Purple Heart and honorary pallbearers will be his sons in law and grandsons.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Purple Heart Chapter 740, 325-227-2051 or can be sent c/o the family.