Walter J. Shelton

Walter J. Shelton

You can’t win if you don’t play. Walter was the ultimate optimist: he never missed playing the lottery and was always convinced he’d win the big one. He was a car guy: Walter loved checking out rides at all the local car shows, enjoyed the Bridgeport Speedway during his younger years and had the honor of directing traffic and parking classic cars at the prestigious Hagley Museum in Wilmington. If his T.V was on you’d likely find him watching classic car auctions or Nascar races. For years he ran equipment for Ball Foster Glass House in Millville. Walter cheered on the Greenbay Packers and his IPAD was chock full of country music.

Walter came from Elmer one day to visit some friends in Swedesboro and wound up meeting a girl named Dorothy Hilditch. Their 53 year marriage was blessed by two children, Donna Lautenbach (Scott) and Chris (Lysa Hannigan) and two grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers and two sisters.

Come celebrate 72 great years Monday 10-11 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro where there will be a service at 11 a.m. Interment Eglington Cemetery. Donations to American Cancer Society (Cancer.org) will be appreciated.

6 Comments

  1. Betty Logan says:

    What a beautiful statement about a man who enjoyed life & family!

  2. Pat & Bill Lautenbach says:

    WE only met with Walt a few times.but we know he was a good man and a wonderful father.

  3. Sara and Eric Lautenbach says:

    A special person with a very special daughter who we’re thrilled to be related to. May his memories be a blessing.

  4. Robin Hilditch Del Vecchio says:

    I was blessed to grow up with Walt as my brother. I was 2 yrs old when and Dottie were married. Walt was truly a beautiful, loving and caring man. Thru Walt’s 10 year battle I never once heard him complain or ask why me….he simply dealt with the circumstances and went on to fight the battle. He was a winner in every sense of the word. Walt dealt with his cancer with dignity, strength and grace. He taught me to be at my best no matter what life could throw at me. For that I will be forever grateful. I am so proud and honored to have known Walt. I am so thankful that knowing him has made me a better person. I love you and I will miss.

  5. Scott, Claire & Austin Lautenbach says:

    Lucky are those who knew Dad/PopPop and could feel the positive energy he possessed. Soft spoken and hard working; a man who lived life with purpose and good humor. He met every challenge head-on and never gave up. Be strong and courageous Mom – that’s what Dad would want. We’ll miss him and we’ll continue to love and cherish his dear family – just like he did for so many years.

  6. Ed and Charlene Counsellor says:

    Dot, we are very sorry for your loss. In the 9 years we’ve been your neighbors, Walt was always pleasant despite his battle. He clearly was grateful for the small things such as going for a walk, sitting outside on a beautiful day, or simply asking us how things were going. Our children spoke of him as “Mr. Walt, the nice guy.” Whenever Walt talked about you, his eyes lit up with the kind of love that most people can only dream of. If you ever need anything, anytime, please call us at 856-261-5289.

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