Ernest R. "Ernie" Shelton, 82, of Lagro, Indiana, passed away at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2018, at his residence.

Ernie was born in Drift, Kentucky on December 14, 1935 to the late Fred and Lizzie (Pack) Shelton.  He married Vera Parsons on November 26, 1958; she survives.

Ernie retired as an inspector from General Motors in Marion, Indiana after 35 years of service. After his retirement from General Motors in 1996, he worked for three years at Thomas Ford, Wabash and then worked over ten years for McDonald Funeral Homes at the Wabash and LaFontaine locations. He also spent countless hours helping and serving his church.

In 1982, Ernie began his walk with Christ and from then on he was a faithful servant. He was an active member of the Wabash Free Will Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and as a Trustee of the church. He coached Pony League and Little League.  Ernie was also a member of the UAW of Marion.  Ernie's favorite activity was spending time with his family, whom he loved very much. He also enjoyed family reunions, playing with his grandkids and sharing childhood memories.

Along with his wife, Ernie leaves behind son, Derrick S. Shelton, Wabash; daughter, Adrena Crace, Wabash; grandchildren, Justin (Melissa) Shelton, Clermont, Florida, Heather (Tyler) Bashlor, Canyon County, California, Brittany Shelton, Florida, Chelsea (Joe) Beard, Warsaw, and Carlee Crace, Wabash; brother Fred Shelton, Jr., Martin, Kentucky and six great-grandchildren: Blake Orth, Kamron Orth, Kylan Bashlor, Khloe Bashlor, Brock Shelton and Kensley Thompson. Ernie is preceded in death by one son, Maurice Shelton.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Wabash Free Will Baptist Church, 1056 Erie Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor Tod Masters officiating. Burial will follow in the Lagro Cemetery in Lagro, Indiana.  Visitation for family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

Preferred memorials are to the Wabash Free Will Baptist Church, 1056 Erie St, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com