Walden Ellwood Shelton Sr. passed away Nov. 14, 2024, at the age of 97 in Boerne, Texas. He was born April 16, 1927, in New York City. Walden lived a life marked by dedication to his community, family and country.

Walden graduated from Alamo Heights High School and furthered his education at Trinity University in San Antonio. He honorably served in the United States Merchant Marines during World War II, both in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters, and was inducted as a Shellback in the Court of King Neptune when he crossed the equator. He was also a member of the Order of the Ditch when he crossed the Panama Canal.

He continued his service in the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division during the Korean War as a master sergeant.

Professionally, Walden dedicated more than 25 years to USAA in San Antonio, after initially working at Fireman’s Fund, earning his chartered property and casualty underwriter designation. He was a respected member of the Beitel Lutheran Church in San Antonio for 73 years, where he was deeply involved in the community.

Walden was passionate about traveling, hunting, fishing, was an avid train collector and held a private pilot’s license. These hobbies brought him great joy and enriched his life in many ways. He was active with the Masons. He was with the Davy Crockett Lodge for 70 years in San Antonio as a past master mason. He went on to become a past high priest within the Royal Arch Masons San Antonio Council; followed by becoming the past thrice illustrious of the master cryptic mason in the San Antonio Army Chapter.

He became the past commander of the Knights Templar in San Antonio and a member of the Knights of the York Cross of Honour Texas Priority No 23 in Waco, Texas.

In addition, he was a member of the Mason Helotes Council and Chapter, and a member of the Brownwood Knights Templar in Boerne.

He is survived by one son, Judge Walden (Michelle) Shelton Jr.; and one granddaughter, Nicole Ann Shelton. Walden was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Herbert and Ida Shelton; one brother, Bernarr Shelton and his wife, Joy; one sister, Willowdeen Rossner and her husband, Louis; and his beloved wife of 49 years, Ann Rossner Shelton.

A viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 23, 2024, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at the Beitel Lutheran Church, 2515 Austin Highway, San Antonio.

A burial service will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio. A reception will occur after the burial service at the Beitel Lutheran Church.