Wriley Shelton peacefully passed away, at age 91, on Saturday February 10, 2018, in Fresno, CA. He was born on June 28, 1926 in Pine Bluff, AR, the eldest child of Wriley and Alice Shelton. His family moved from Pine Bluff to Fresno in 1935 where his father founded Shelton Roofing and Lumber Company where Wriley worked for several years after returning from World War II. Wriley graduated from Fresno High School in 1944 and immediately after graduation entered the Army Air Corps. He was assigned to duty in the Philippines and later to the Occupation and Reconstruction of Japan. After the War Wriley transitioned with the Army Air Corps to the Air Force Reserves where he served 45 years ultimately retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant when he received the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal. While in the Air Force, Wriley traveled all over the world organizing high level military meetings in Germany, Italy, Turkey, Israel and South Korea, to name a few. Wriley worked for 30 years in the California State Employment Development Department where he helped countless people in Fresno find employment and lifelong careers. Over the years Wriley has been recognized by The St. Agnes Hospital Foundation for his generous support of St. Agnes Hospital. Wriley was a life member of Fresno Elks Lodge #439 B.P.O.E. and a member of the Footprinters.

Wriley is survived by his sister Joanna von Behringer of Seattle, WA; his nephew Craig Lofton of Dallas, TX; and his niece Ramsey Lofton of Albuquerque, NM.

A celebration of his life will be held at Belmont Memorial Park at 201 N. Teilman Ave. Fresno, CA on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be made to Nazareth House, 2121 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93703.

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