Joe Paul Shelton

SMSgt SHELTON, Joe Paul, USAF (Ret). Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Snow Ann Shelton (nee Holmes). Devoted father of Lt Col (USMC, Ret) Paul Anthony (Caryl nee Brzymialkiewicz) Shelton, Kelly Renee (Wendell Knox) Shelton, and Joseph Anthony Shelton. Loving grandfather of Brendan & Ian, Emma & Jack, and David & Emily. Also survived by: daughter-in-law Karen Shelton: and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

SMSgt Shelton honorably served his country in the USAF from 1957 until 1980. During his many years of service, Joe was most proud of several tours. He supported our South Vietnamese allies 1968-69, serving alongside the Vietnamese Air Force in a combined direct air support center at the height of that conflict. Joe provided air rescue support to every manned Apollo spaceflight 1969-73. While with the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing, Joe was directly involved in 141 search and rescue missions which saved 2,559 lives. Joe also served multiple tours in the Strategic Air Command, providing command and control to our nuclear deterrent forces. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, as well as numerous campaign and unit awards. After his retirement from the Air Force, Joe continued to serve his community as a Sheriff's Deputy in Floyd County, Indiana. He later retired from TSA at the Cincinnati International Airport. Joe enjoyed his retirement with his wife Snow Ann, through his love of animals, gardening, and as a model train and airplane enthusiast.

Joe passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the age of 85 years.

Friends may visit with the family at Vorhis & Ryan Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pike, Springdale, OH 45246 on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11AM until time of memorial service at 12 Noon.