Rev. Lawrence (Larry) N. Shelton, 83, of New Castle, Indiana, passed away Saturday evening, Feb. 5, 2022, after a valiant and fiercely fought battle with cancer since 2020. He made his journey to heaven with a perfect and healed body. He passed away at home with his family surrounding him.
Larry was born in Susie, Kentucky, on November 13, 1938, to Marjorie Shelton Hunt, and Rev. Harold Rednour-who both preceded him in death. His grandmother, Myrtie Shelton, raised Larry. He grew up in Kennard, Indiana, and had lived in New Castle for most of his life. He was in the last graduating class of Kennard High School in 1957.
Larry had been a minister for close to 60 years. He started Charity Baptist Church in New Castle, was in the starting of two other churches, Grand Avenue Baptist Church, and Kennard Baptist Church. He pastored churches in Indiana and Kentucky-the latter being a 4 ½ hour drive to church on the weekend in Clover Bottom, KY, and driving back after services on Sunday evening. While pastoring New Hope Baptist Church in Richmond, which is now called Ravinia Park Baptist Church, he broke all records on conversions, baptisms, per capita giving per individual for the state. The Southern Baptists of Indiana wanted him to go around to the churches and teach them how to grow like we had been doing in baptisms and conversions. He also pastored churches in Hagerstown, Centerville, Richmond, Economy, New Castle, and Kennard. He was also interim pastor at New Point Baptist Church, in New Point, Indiana. Larry was a true man of God he preached the Bible as it was, he did not tickle the ears of the listeners. Larry was known as a preacher who hated sin. For four years he was in evangelism-seeing many people come to the Lord. Larry was the best pastor to his flock, and he was a faithful servant to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As Larry would say, “Thus saith the word of God.” He was a graduate of Hillcrest Bible College in Richmond. He also sang with his family for over 50 years in churches.
When Larry was in high school, he lettered in four sports while attending Kennard High School. He was invited by the Cincinnati Reds to try out for them. Larry was a lover of basketball, especially watching IU games with his daughter, Ellen. He had been called “the second Bobby Knight” for years. He also coached middle school basketball. He enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, and his favorite driver was always Jeff Gordon.
After high school, Larry served his country in the Army he was a Specialist, fourth class. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis; and Panzer Kazern in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He loved his country and served it dutifully.
Larry and the family took many vacations throughout the south, southeast, and out west. He was the main driver, always wanting to be the one to do the driving. He was a true family man and loved his family very much. He was a faithful husband to his wife of 60 years and loved his daughter and grandson very much.
Larry also worked in the excavating business for years for his brother-in-law, Jerry Roberts. He worked in insurance for John Hancock Insurance, Couden-Hostettler Funeral Home, in shipping for Sears, and Owens-Brockway Glass, worked at Kirby Risk, in finance at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and up until the last day before he became ill, he worked for Wal-Mart in assembly. Larry had retired three times but would go back to work.
Larry is survived by his wife, Marian Jill Roberts Shelton, who he had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 23rd; daughter, Ellen Shelton of New Castle; grandson, who he was also a father figure to, Jacob Shelton of New Castle; brothers, Jack Hunt of Alvin, Texas, Charles Hunt of Avon, Indiana, and David Rednour of Monticello, KY; A special niece, who was like a daughter to him, Tammy Neal of New Castle; In-laws, Jerry and Linda Roberts of Dublin. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins; and his dog, Jillian.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Myrtie and Silas Shelton; sister, Linda Atkinson of Frankfort; and brother, Larry Rednour of Monticello, Kentucky; many uncles, aunts, cousins also preceded him in death.
Private graveside services with Military Honors will be conducted at Lewisville Cemetery. Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, Dublin, will be taking care of Rev. Shelton and the service. Online condolences can be made at www.marshallanderleweinfuneralhome.com