Obituary
Richard R Shelton, age 90, deceased December 22, 2025 in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Dick was born in Paola Kansas to C.R. and Gladys Shelton, and was the 2nd oldest of 4. They lived in the Stony Point area of Kansas City Kansas, before moving to Turner KS where he graduated from Turner High School. He served in the Army Reserves, 137th Infantry Regiment.
Dick bought his first car at the age of 13 (with his own money earned washing car windows at a gas station), without his parent’s knowledge – they were surprised when he drove up in the yard with it since he didn’t know how to drive.
He married Mary Catherine Petterson in 1958, and they raised four children together – Charles (Terri), Catherine Hille (Dan), Steven , and Mary “Christine” Joe (Dave).
While working as a Switchman on the Santa Fe Railroad in Turner, KS,Dick helped his father start C.R. Specialty Co., Inc “The Handloader’s Paradise”, which was in business for over 45 years in Kansas City, Missouri. He was known for his expertise on gun control, often appearing on a local talk show to discuss the topic.
When raising his children in Kansas City, KS he was known to the neighborhood children as Super Dog. He coached Steve’s Christ The King Little League team, sponsored by C.R. Specialty, which went undefeated for many years. Dick and Mary were longtime members of Christ the King Catholic Church in KC, KS.
A world traveling big game hunter, he hunted in Africa, Turkey, Russia, and British Columbia – he was the President of the Kansas City Safari Club for several years and a member for many more.
Dick learned to play golf once his coaching days were over, and gave it up in later years to take up tennis, which was a passion of his and he played until the age of 88.
He was adventurous and determined – he and Mary bought a 43 ft. trawler (The Cantagree) while vacationing in Florida though they had never been on a boat on the ocean. After some guidance from friends and boating courses, they soon learned how to navigate their way around the coast of Florida and to the Bahamas. They settled in Punta Gorda, Florida where they were active in the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. After Hurricane Charlie, Dick was instrumental in rebuilding the Civic Center building, and was successful in getting tennis courts and a pavilion added to the facility. A highlight of his day was playing tennis, then heading to Dunkin Donuts to solve the world’s problems with his tennis buddies. Dad also enjoyed his cruising club friends and poker buddies.
Dad was a Master Storyteller, usually starting with “now this is a true story…” He was able to tell jokes perfectly and remembered every one he ever heard. He never knew a stranger – his 20 minute walks around the neighborhood usually took several hours as he made many stops.
He was many things to many people but most especially a loving husband and father, and a good friend to many.. His five grandchildren, Ryan Courtney (Erica), Lindsay Shelton, Kyle Courtney (Christine), Kaitlin Shelton (Donnie Sumple) and Colin Courtney, remember his larger than life “grandpaness”.
He leaves behind many friends who remember him fondly, his family which includes six great grandchildren who he was very proud of, and was surrounded in his final days by family, friends, and his girlfriend, Kathy Krichilsky.
Dick is now at peace, and has joined his parents, his siblings, wife and son, Chuck in eternal rest. Per Dad’s request there is no ceremony or “fuss” scheduled. HIs family will mourn together in private.
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