James Kenneth Shelton

Mr. James Kenneth “Ken” Shelton, 74, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at his home in Louisville. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 31st, at South Louisville Baptist Church, with Rev. Trent Jaudon and Mr. Tim Butts offering the eulogy. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 Ken was born October 11, 1949, in Columbus, MS, to James Harold and Elizabeth Jane Shelton. He was a graduate of Lee High School in Columbus, and attended Mississippi State University. He retired as a rural mail carrier with the U. S. Postal Service. During his earlier career, Ken worked with his parents at Shelton Realty and Shelton’s Office Supply, which was on Main Street. They soon opened Balloon Magic in the back of the store, which offered candy, toys, and large balloon bouquets. 

 Ken loved golf and played regularly at Louisville Country Club., where he was known as Dr. Golf. He was also passionate about Mississippi State football, and regularly attended all the games and the MSU Quarterback Club. Ken also loved music. Not only did he listen to all kinds of music, he wrote and recorded a number of songs that he shared on social media. He was a faithful member of South Louisville Baptist Church. 

 Ken’s postal service fellow workers were like family. One of his beloved co-workers at the post office, Darlene Bane, in a tribute to Ken wrote: “If the Postmaster General would make a ruling about something and Ken didn’t agree with it, he’d send an email telling him what he thought. Rarely did we see a change but on one rare occasion something was reversed like Ken had suggested. It’s doubtful that Ken was the influence, but he took all the credit locally. They didn’t make but one Ken Shelton. As his co-worker, he always told me he was flying under the radar. Even though he emailed the top official, he considered himself flying under the radar. We were amazed that it always seemed to work out, and we guess he did glide right on out to a good retirement.” 

 Ken was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Jason Shelton.

 Ken is survived by his wife of 39years, Margaret Robertson Shelton; daughters, Amanda (Steve) Newland of Elkhart, IN, Kim Jordan of West Point, MS, and Jamie Jordan Maroney of Louisville; a sister, Diane (Dwight) Reinstetle of Powell, OH; grandchildren, Sydney Newland, Sam (Devin) Newland, and Halle (Maddox) Robertson; his mother-in-law, Nancy Robertson; his sister-in-law, Norma Robertson Seth; two brothers-in-law, John Robertson and James Robertson; a special cousin, Wayne Jones of Columbus, MS; his best canine friend, Josie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

 Memorials in Ken’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.