Leslie Neal Shelton was born on June 27, 1938 to Jessica and Leslie J. Shelton in Garland, Utah. He passed away on July 10, 2017. His early years were spent in Garland and also in the Idaho Falls area with his parents and siblings. Following his father's death in 1950, Les came to Shelley, Idaho where he was taken in by his aunt and uncle, Nora and Ivan Davis. He credits them with helping him to graduate high school and was grateful for the loving home they provided him. He thrived under their care and enjoyed being a part of their family. His visits back home to visit his mother and siblings were special memories.
He was elected student body vice president and was a standout football player at Shelley High School. After graduating high school and turning down a football scholarship to Boise Junior College, he was happy to leave farm labor to work in construction. He started roofing around Shelley and later went to work for Hughes Roofing in Idaho Falls. He worked as a foreman for Hughes and managed contracts for several years at the INL.
Les met Janice Johnson when she was waitressing at Keith's Café in Shelley. They were married in 1963. They settled in Shelley where they had four children, Lisa Swenson (Steve Lopez), Gina Shuttleworth (Robert), Trisa Clemons (Christian), and Lance Shelton (Kristin). Les loved a good time and adventure. He remembered fondly his days of riding snow machines with his buddies east of Idaho Falls, fishing trips to Cabo San Lucas and when possible, taking his kids to his roofing jobs. Each of his children shares his love for adventure, travel and good times.
Les worked as hard as he played. He was truly a master of his craft and made a living by the sweat of his brow roofing houses in Idaho Falls and Shelley on the side, while he worked full-time for Hughes out at the site. He was proud of his hard work, being one of the best roofers in the area and would often point out all the houses he had roofed at one time or another all over Shelley and Idaho Falls. His children credit their dad and mom for instilling in them a strong work ethic. Les and Janice were later divorced.
Leslie found love again in 1992 and married Carolyn Harrell Shelton of Howe, Idaho. He joined her and her family on their farm in Howe. He loved Howe, life with Carol, coffee with the guys, and Carol's kids and grandkids. Carol was adored by all who knew her. She lost a valiant battle with lung cancer in 2000. Though Les had been dealt some hard blows throughout life, losing Carol was especially difficult. He loved and admired her and would often look at her picture and remark, "Now there is a good lady."
In his older years as his own health started to decline and he lost his brother, Dennis Shelton, Les often reflected on his life in his woodworking shop. Les continued working with his hands in his shop providing his family and friends with gifts and treasures. Few things brought Les more pride and satisfaction than having the love and companionship of his children. He enjoyed bragging about their successes in life and appreciated their support and care.
Les is survived by his children, his seven grandchildren (Lindsay, Rachel, Josh, Emma, Connor, Jackson, and Chloe) and one great-grandson (Cannon). He is also survived by his brothers Allan Shelton (Sonja) and Gary Shelton (Carol) and one sister, Linda Beeman.
His children would like to express their gratitude to Sandra, Shelly, and the entire team of caregivers from 1 Assist Care, Fairwinds Assisted Living's staff, and Hospice of Eastern Idaho who compassionately cared for Les. Their companionship and care made a significant difference in his quality of life.
In lieu of flowers the family would request donations be made to Hospice of Eastern Idaho.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Leslie's honor at Buck Miller Hann funeral home 825 E 17th St. Idaho Falls, ID August 4, 2017 at 11:00 am.
Arrangements made under the direction of Buck Miller Hann funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.