Obituary of Marvin Pratt Shelton

Marvin Pratt Shelton, 89, of Bridgeport, WV, passed away Friday, October 21, 2022 at his residence. He was born July 27, 1933 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the son of the late Oliver Cromwell Shelton and Estella May Chewning Shelton. He is survived by his wife Dolores Ann Beall Shelton of Bridgeport, WV. He is survived by three children including Marvin (Marty) Shelton, Jr. of Nutterfort, WV, a daughter Holly S. Turner of Sebring, Florida, and Benjamin Shelton and his wife Carolyn Shelton of Charlotte, NC, four grandchildren Hannah Shelton, Rachel Shelton, Tanya Koheler and Lucas Turner, two great grandchildren Calvin Koheler and Leah Koheler, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters Helen Sowell, Christine Machalec and Berbie Mills. Mr. Shelton retired in 1994 after 41 years of federal service. His last 12 years of employment he served as the West Virginia director of the United States Small Business Association. He held several positions in the SBA headquarters in Washington, D.C., including Deputy Assistant General-Investigations, Director, Office of Financial Investigations and Director, External Audit Division. Prior to the SBA, he worked for the Internal Revenue Service as an Internal Revenue Agent, Conferee and Instructor. He graduated from James Monroe High School in 1950 and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Straver College of Accountancy in Washington, D.C. Marvin proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He previously served on the board of the Bridgeport High School Band Patrols. He is the member of the Bridgeport United Method Church. He is a member of Late Lodge #63 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite Bodies of Clarksburg and Wheeling, Knights Templar, Nemesis Shrine Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., and Central WV Shrine Club. He volunteered in the Blood Services Division of the Harrison County Chapter, of the American Red Cross. He was also the former treasurer of the Woodside Heights Homeowners Association. He was a charter member of CAPS (Bridgeport Citizens Auxiliary Patrol Service) in 2006 which is now know as VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) and elected Assistant Treasurer – Benedum Festival Committee Nov. 2006. He served on the Bridgeport Emergency Service Council by the Mayor of Bridgeport shortly after September 11, 2001. He taught AARP drivers safety and was a Deputy State Coordinator, Trainer and Instructor for the Driver Smart Program. Mr. Shelton was named a Friend of WV by Gov. John D. Rockefeller, IV, named Distinguished West Virginian by Gov. Arch A. Moore, Jr., awarded Shriner of the year in 1997 by the Central WV Shrine Club and was named a Michael Benedum Fellow in 2006. The family will receive friends at the Ford Funeral Home, Allen Chapel, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330, on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. The visitation will continue on Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Bridgeport United Methodist Church, 251 Worthington Drive, Bridgeport, WV 26330. The funeral will be held in the church at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2022 with Reverend Dr. Ken Ramsey officiating. The committal service will follow in the Bridgeport Cemetery. Masonic ritualistic services will be held in the cemetery by Late Lodge #63 A.F. & A.M. On line condolences may be made to the family at www.Fordfuneralhomes.com.