Mr. Walter Lee Shelby

Walter Lee Shelby was born on May 16, 1941 to the union of James Lundermond Shelby and Alma Williams (maiden name) in Evansville, Indiana. Walter was the older of two children. Walter received his formal education in the Milwaukee Public School System and graduated from North Division High School in 1959. His educational experience included attending classes at Kansas University, MSOE, and later completing a 5 year apprenticeship program through the plumbing union local 75 (Milwaukee, WI), becoming a journeyman plumber in 1973. Walter accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was united with Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church (Milwaukee, WI) until he graduated from high school and went away to college. Walter's first marriage was to Louise Whiters; this union was blessed with 2 children: Darryl and Gretchen Shelby; and his second marriage was to the late Lillian Hinton; this union was blessed with four children: Prentice, Cheryl, Audrey Shelby, and Claudette Bradley. Walter enlisted into the United States Air Force on May 21, 1962. During his time of service he was a jet mechanic. He was honorably discharged on May 20, 1966. Walter was employed by various companies as an apprentice and worked with a team in building Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in downtown Milwaukee; from there he was recruited by The City of Milwaukee through (Milwaukee Public School System) as a journeyman plumber. He was employed by MPS for approximately 25 years and retired in 1993 at the age of fifty-two. Walter was an outstanding athlete at North Division High School in basketball, football and track (city) and city/state champion broad jump, and state basketball team. Walter received a track scholarship to Kansas University. In his leisure, he enjoyed reading the literary works of William Shakespeare, and Chaucer's - The Canterbury Tales. The prologue of which he often recited. He also enjoyed studying the bible. And Walter found much pleasure in listening to classical music. After retirement, Walter travelled to Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Washington D. C., and Puerto Rico. In his travel to Queretaro, Mexico, he mined opal with the local natives, then stayed at a hotel on the beach in Corpus Christi, TX for a place to polish the opal. Walter later lived in Puerto Rico for four years before returning home and finally settling in Shorewood, WI. Walter Lee Shelby departed this life on Thursday, February 28,2019. He was preceded in death by his parents: James Lundermond Shelby and Alma Williams Carroll. He leaves to cherish his memory to six children: Darryl Shelby, Sr., Gretchen Shelby, Prentice Shelby, Cheryl Shelby, Audrey Shelby, and Claudette Bradley; eight grandchildren: Darryl, Jr., Myles, Alexis, Avery, and Cheyenne Shelby; Madison, London, and River Bradley; three great-grandchildren: Ronnie Means, Amir Mann, and Amari Mann; one sister, Alicetine Ansley; two nephews, Erik Ansley and Anthony (Tabitha) Ansley; two special friends: Russell Stamper and Irie Grant; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Walter Lee Shelby

May 16, 1941 - February 28, 2019