Wayne Eugene Shelden

If you were to ask Wayne where he was born, he would always say, “under a rock”. This was almost true. On April 17, 1931, he was born about a half mile southeast of Kirkwell, CO in a little dugout to parents Elizabeth Ann (Heard) Ormiston and Hicks (Willy) Ormiston. When he was 7 years old his mother married Harley Evans Shelden and moved to the Shelden Ranch 28 miles southwest of Pritchett, CO. Harley adopted Wayne at this time and changed his name to Wayne Eugene Shelden. He had a brother, O. J. Ormiston, but also gained 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Tom (Dee) Shelden, Birt (Cleo) Shelden, Grace (Ed) Peters, and Bess George. Wayne grew up on the ranch learning how to be an all-around ranch hand. He would be out herding sheep for days at a time. A family member would check on him, bring food and supplies. His constant companion was a small bulldog that rode the horse with him. Wayne had to ride his horse to the Cole School located next to the Carrizo Creek. Thelma Dunlap was his teacher. He completed the 8th grade at this school. He would laugh and share stories of when he stopped to open a gate, his horse would often times run back home leaving him afoot. April 14, 1951, he married Loretta Brooks. Three days later on his 20th birthday he was headed to San Diego, CA to start boot camp for the United States Navy. During this training, he was selected as the Honor Man for Company 51-434. Wayne received many honors while proudly serving in the military. Among these were Expert Rifleman (sharpshooter), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Navy Occupation Service Medal. He served from 1951 through 1955. Also, while in the Navy, he traveled the world and visited several countries. A memorable event, he shared how he was in London when Queen Elizabeth was crowned. Often times he spoke of his time with the military and how proud he was to serve his country. He was a very talented man and was able to do whatever he put his mind to. With his boilerman Navy experience, he worked his way to foreman for the San Ore construction “hot plant” mixing asphalt for building I-25 between Pueblo and Fountain, CO as well as I-70 across the west half of Kansas. Wayne moved his family to the Shelden ranch SE of Pritchett, CO during Christmas break 1965 where they all lived until young adulthood. A decision was made to sell the ranch in 1985 so Wayne and Loretta moved to Pritchett to be close to both their mothers. He had learned many trades such as welding, carpentry, electrical, ranching, gardening and hunting. He loved pitching horseshoes during the yearly Brooks Family Reunion where he won every tournament he entered, except one. His true love was raising Pug Bull dogs and flint knapping arrowheads, knives and spear points. His name became well known for his flint knapping skills. Wayne and Loretta spent many years in Quartzite, AZ for the warm winters and set up a booth in order to sell his arrowheads and the jewelry Loretta made. The arrowheads, knives and spear heads were bought and shipped all over the US and several went to the UK and France. Many summers Wayne and Loretta were camp hosts in the Rocky Mountains to be able to enjoy the cooler temperatures and their love for the mountains. When time allowed, he also enjoyed fishing. Whether it was catfish in Kansas, trout in Colorado or deep sea for tuna, he was happy to drop a line in the water. The deep-sea fishing trip was an opportunity to go on a trip with youngest son, Ron and nephew Charles Loges. It was quite the story to hear how a great white shark ended up with most of the tuna that was on the line. Wayne definitely believed in God and had his relationship close to his heart. He always said, “you cannot live in these canyons without seeing God everywhere”. He accepted Jesus into his heart with family members guidance a few years ago. He really enjoyed the old time Gospel music. Preceding him in death were his parents, all his brothers and sisters, a grandson, and a great granddaughter. Surviving Wayne is his wife of 71 years, Loretta, 5 children, Laura Smith of Pritchett, CO, Bill (Pam) Shelden of Pampa, TX, Anna (Tommy) Waggoner of Pritchett, CO, Kay (Rob) Gibson of Pritchett, CO, Ron (Julie Bishoff) of Idaho Falls, ID. They have also been blessed with 19 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren, many nieces/nephews, and a host of friends throughout the United States. Wayne was respected and honored by all who met him. Dad, we love and miss you more than words can say.