William Martin

William Shelton Martin, 78, passed away peacefully in his home in Stinnett on Saturday, July 29, 2017, with his wife of 42 years by his side.

Shelton was born May 21, 1939, in Lookeba, Oklahoma to Charlie and Lucy Martin. He married Linda Sue Brewer on June 5, 1975.

He was a truck driver and worked for American Farm Lines, Sells Trucking, Borger Redi Mix and E.D. Baker Corporation. He drove for American Farm Lines during the Vietnam War and was very proud of his part in supporting our Country by hauling equipment and ammunition for our troops. Shelton was also very proud of his part in the construction of the Lake Meredith Dam by hauling the dirt. He loved driving trucks from coast to coast and prided himself on being the best driver in the fleet.

Shelton's love of horses was evident in the way he spent his spare time. He was never without a good roping horse and a kid horse for his children and grandchildren. For years he was an active member of the Coors Riding Club and Hutchinson County Sheriff's Posse. It was while he was a member of these organizations that he rode in countless parades, helped with many rodeos, and always looked forward to the annual Easter egg hunt for the kids. He loved to team rope and getting first place was not unusual. In later years he added mules and wagons to his collection. He and his wife loved to hook them up and ride the wagon trails with their friends. Although Shelton adored his horses and mules his family was his true love. Seeing his children and grandchildren enjoying his animals was a perfect weekend for him. Shelton also loved to dance and for several years he and Linda could be found at the local VFW on Saturday night. You knew you were near and dear to his heart if he gave you a nickname. His and Linda's home was open to anyone needing a place to stay and over the years was blessed to provide a home for them.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and 9 sisters; Rosie Berry, Mary Isbell, Scharlie Vick, Alodine Strain, Opal Carpenter; Lois Dodd, Agnes Martin, Edith McFedridge, and Helen Martin.

Shelton is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home; daughters Sandra Gilmore and husband Charles of Stinnett; Cindy Ricci and husband Mike of Vineland, New Jersey; and son Charles "Toby" Martin and wife Brenda of Stinnett. He leaves behind 19 grandchildren, Frank Garcia and wife Allison, Felicia Lee-Nida and husband Hunter, Jonathon Garcia and wife Mary, Billy Gilmore and wife Kelsey, Sam Sigler, Amber Gilmore, Amanda Garcia and Stephen Brunkenhoefer, Chris Sigler and wife Marie, Brice Martin and wife Erin, Victoria Ricci, Alex Ricci, and Heather McCracken and husband Ryan; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Edna Frham and brother-in-law Bobby Brewer both of the home whom he helped raise and loved as though they were his children; brother-in-law Dan Dodd, Boyd and Betty Brewer, Robert Brewer, Billy Brewer, and Virl and Veronica Brewer. He also had a niece from California, Martha Jean Dalrymple, whom he loved dearly and looked forward to her daily calls and her visits. Martha Jean looked up to him as a second father and loved him with all her heart. He also leaves behind a special longtime family friend, Inez Nolen, and many, many nieces and nephews.

Shelton will be missed dearly by his family and friends and all that knew him.

Cremation is entrusted to Minton-Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger. Burial services will be scheduled at a later date. The family will be staying at 215 Stewart Street in Stinnett, Texas.