Obituary of Albert E. Shelby

ALBERT E. SHELBY

Albert E. Shelby passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center at the age of 87.  He was born in Reddick, IL the fourth child of Roy and Nettie (Mitchell) Shelby.  Albert is formerly of Hersher and Bourbonnais and has resided in Joliet since 1956.  He graduated from Manteno High School, Class of 1947 and attended Hersher High School.  Albert helped his father on the family farm as well as helping on his neighbor’s farm.  Albert served two years in the United States Marine Corps as an airplane mechanic and played first string football.  Following Albert’s service with the Marines, he worked for Illinois Bell Telephone for the next 37 years, retiring in 1992.  Albert was a “jack of all trades”.  He built his own home from the ground up.  He helped build his children’s homes.  Albert was a member and past president of the Troy Volunteer Fire Department in the late 1960’s into the early 1970’s.  He is a former member of the Future Farmers of America, American Legion Post #1080 and I.B.E.W. Local #174.  Albert was a happy-go-lucky man who loved and enjoyed his friends and family.  His favorite hobby was making leather wallets for everyone.  He enjoyed reading, playing cards, cooking, making greeting cards, and taking care of his lawn. 

Albert is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Florence (nee Peters) Shelby of Joliet; his three children, William Shelby of Villa Park, Brenda (Ed) Denovellis of Acworth, GA and Alberta (Ed) Zapatka of Plainfield;  his grandchildren, Carolyn (David) Rohrer, Christine Shelby, Elaine and Eddie Denovellis; his great-grandchildren, Gretchen, Max and D.J.; his nieces, Rose Nelson and Vana (Richard) Harrison. 

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert and Vernon Shelby; his sister, Margaret Bruce; and his nieces, Ida Mae Floyd and Vicki (David) Misischia.

Funeral Services for Albert E. Shelby will be Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL.  As it was Albert’s request, cremation rites will be accorded with final inurnment in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.  Memorials in his name to Troy Fire Protection District would be appreciated.  Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3-8 p.m.  For information call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com