Earnie "Curtis"

Shelton

Earnie “Curtis” Shelton, 83, of Newkirk, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday evening, November 11, 2026, at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita.

Born June 9, 1943, in Arkansas City, Kansas, he was the son of Curtis Nathaniel and Myrtle (Meeks) Shelton. He was raised by his mother and step-father Calvin Fancher in Maple City, Kansas. He received his education in Arkansas City until his senior year when he attended Geuda Springs High School, graduating in 1961. After high school, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country, serving three tours in Vietnam. He later earned an associate degree from Cowley County Community College in Graphic Design.

Curtis was united in marriage to Judy A. Shepherd on July 18, 1964, at the Church of Christ in Winfield. The couple made their home in Winfield and Curtis worked at Rodeo Meat Packing in Arkansas City. He later became a Machinist, working at both Davis Manufacturing and JI Case in Wichita. He then took a position as foreman at Thorn Apple Valley, a meat packing plant in Ponca City before moving to Future Beef in Arkansas City, where he remained until retiring in 2001. After retirement, he worked part-time at the Winfield Livestock Auction. Judy preceded him in death on March 15, 2020.

He enjoyed hunting, particularly coyote and coon hunting. He also enjoyed going to the casino, game night with his kids and grandkids, “350 you better keep it”. He especially enjoyed fishing with his best friends Harry and Gary Walker. He was known for making jellies and wine.

He is survived by his children, Michelle Smith of Newkirk, OK; Tanya Groom and husband, Ronald of Winfield; Shawna Presson and husband, Bill of Newkirk, OK; Curtis Paul Shelton and wife, Jill of Winfield; his brother David Fancher and wife, Janice of Hemphill, TX; his sister Kay Epps and husband, Joe of Houston, TX; his grandchildren, Amanda Walker (Darren), Afton Smith, Cassandra Wilson (John), Dustin Groom, Chase Hoyt (Natasha), Kaytlin Sepeda (Justin), Taylor Presson, McKenzie Presson, Trevor Presson (Roslyn), Jorden Shelton, Kayla Shelton (Damon), Jordan Elam, Gabriel Pitts; and his great grandchildren, Jacob, Alex, Mason, Dawson, Christian, Ayden, Kennedy, Abel, Amelia, Karma, Keyshawn, Kyra, Kylan, Karter, Easton, Jaxon, Jenson, Elijah, Aliviah, Isaiah, Opal, and Bodhi.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 28, 2026, at Miles Funeral Service. Private family interment will follow at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Curtis’ name for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.