Roy Raymond Shelton, 82, of Wanette passed away peacefully at his home on August 10, 2025.
Born December 16, 1942, in Daisy, Oklahoma, to George and Ethel (Burleson) Shelton, Roy grew up near Stringtown and graduated with the Stringtown High School Class of 1963. During high school, he worked on a local ranch, later moving to Purcell when the family he worked for purchased a new property.
Roy proudly served his country in the Oklahoma National Guard, completing basic training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, in 1964.
On February 14, 1971, he married the love of his life, Carla Black. Together, they raised two children, Amy Jo and Jayme, and built a life filled with hard work, love and community.
For over 40 years, Roy worked as a horse trainer, farrier and farm manager. A true “all-around cowboy,” he was equally at home in the saddle, working cattle, or building a good fence. He was a longtime member of the Purcell Indian Territory Round-Up Club and was always ready to share his knowledge and passion for horses, whether with friends or a stranger who needed a little or a lot of advice.
Roy’s days often began with caring for his animals, taking a break at the coffee shop and finding a conversation to join. Those who knew him will remember not just his skill with horses, but the way he lived every day with hard work, grit and heart.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carla Shelton; his mother, Ethel Byrd; and his sisters, Wilma, Betty, Wenona and Doris.
Roy is survived by his daughter, Amy Jo Piper and husband, Del, of Dewey; his son, Jayme Shelton and wife, Sarah, of Norman; sister, Norma McCarty Henson of Atoka; and his grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, Deacon, Birdie and Lottie. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A come and go celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. at the Purcell Multi-Purpose Center. Please join us for coffee, dessert and lots of stories.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.