Leonard Aaron Shelton (1914)

P1 on the family tree is Leonard Aaron SHELTON. He is the husband of Living LIVING. He has four children & 14 grandchildren. Some folks know him as "Leonard" & some as "Aaron". He was born 17 Jun 1914 in Myton, Utah, the son of Stephen Morton SHELTON (1877) and Fannie Adelia WARDLE (1882). Leonard Aaron SHELTON died 2 Jan 2003.

Experienced Baby Haver!

1910: The 1910 U.S. Census (Image) recorded Aaron's family. as being in the Myton Precinct of Wasatch County, Utah. Aaron's dad is given as Steve M. Shelton, age 32, born in Utah. Steve's father (John SHELTON) is reported as having been born in Missouri, and his mother (Mary MORTON) in Scotland. Steve's occupation is given as "Jeweler - Own Shop". His mother's info is given as Fanny A., age 27, born in Utah. Fannie's father (Edwin Ralph WARDLE) & mother (Elizabeth Orinda THOMPSON) are both reported as being born in Wyoming. Aaron's siblings are given as Mary L., dau age 8; Edwin J., son age 7; Clara, dau age 4; & Jennie B., dau age 1. All of the children are given as being born in Utah.

1914: Fannie was experienced with childbearing; she'd already had four babies! It was 16 Jun 1914, Fannie Adelia WARDLE Shelton's 32nd birthday; and she was determined her baby would be born that day. She tried everything she could think of to start her labor, even rolling herself down a hill; but it just wasn't going to happen. Leonard Aaron SHELTON would have his own way and his own day. Aaron (as he was known by his family) was born the following day, 17 Jun 1914, at the family home in Myton, Utah.

Having It His Way!

Aaron was born in the very heart of Ute country. The Uintah Indian Reservation was created in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln. But under the Dawes Act "unallotted" lands of the Uintah Indians were thrown open to white settlers. On 1 Sep 1905 homesteading by nonIndian people began in earnest. In fact, President Theodore Roosevelt approved the very spot where the town of Myton was to be built. Originally known only as "The Bridge", Myton was expected to become the hub of that area of northeastern Utah known as the "Uintah Basin". Myton was already the main trading center of the Utes.

Welcoming baby Aaron into the family were his brother, Ted, age 10; & sisters: Mary, age 12; Clara, age 7 & Jennie, age 6. The following shows Aaron with his siblings in the order of their births: Mary Louisa SHELTON Woolsey (1901); John Edwin ("Ted") SHELTON (1903); Clara SHELTON Larson McKendrick (1906); Jennie Belle SHELTON Evans (1909); Leonard Aaron SHELTON (1914); Winona ("Mickey") SHELTON Casady Kobb (1918); & Theora SHELTON Smith (1923).

Dr. John E. Morton

Dr. John Edwin MORTON was then moving from Kaysville to Roosevelt, Utah, & was available to help with the delivery of the baby. Interestingly, Dr. MORTON is the first cousin of both Aaron's parents, Stephen Morton SHELTON and Fannie Adelia WARDLE. Aaron was the first of Steve & Fannie's babies to be born with the assistance of a real doctor. Steve is said to have played his violin at dances to raise money to pay Dr. MORTON's bill. Apparently, the family had not yet picked out a name. Aaron's birth certificate just said "child Shelton". It also said "live birth" "County of Wasatch, Precinct of Myton, State Board of Health File #179(435), Father's Place of Birth Midway, Utah, Merchant, 9:27am, J. Morton, Physician, Roosevelt, Utah, residence."

Myton Ute Trading

Aaron's dad was involved in many business ventures throughout his life. So was "Uncle Charlie". One month before Aaron was born Duchesne County records for May 1914 show that the "Credit Men", a Utah Corporation, leased to Charles FAUCETT & S. M. SHELTON of Myton, Lot 3, Block 61, of Myton Township. They also leased a "certain cellar and washroom upon lot 4". "Life in the Uintah Basin was just about perfect for a young boy", according to Aaron. And this is where he grew up. World War I also began in 1914 even tho President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the U.S. to be neutral at that time.

Most Utah settlements began under the direction of Brigham Young. The Basin, however, was settled by individuals who obtained 160 acres under the Federal Homestead Act. Homesteaders were required to prove they intended to farm their land. Then after five years of living on their land, making improvements, and paying $1.25 per acre, homesteaders were given title to their homesteads. The area of Ashley Valley (Vernal) was once described as a "large barren cactus flat". Pardon Dodds became a stockman in Vernal in 1873 and brought with him Morris Evans and Dick Huffaker. They erected the first house built by white men in the area.

"Many single men--trappers, prospectors, home seekers, and drifters--arrived in Ashley Valley, and some stayed. However, there wasn't a woman in the area until 1876." On 11 May 1878 the first white child was born in Vernal. Then in 1882 Fannie WARDLE, Aaron's mother, was born there making her among the earliest also. Even tho not sent by church leadership, Mormon families were still among the early settlers of The Basin. Many in our family followed a general migration pattern. Roughly it went from Provo to Midway, from Midway to Vernal, & finally from Vernal to Duchesne. Today there are not many of our branch of the family tree left in the Uintah Basin. It seems we have scattered to the four winds!.

From Myton to Duchesne

"Cedarview eight miles north and west of Roosevelt Wasatch County has struck artesian water, the first artesian wells in Northeastern Utah." (Morgan County News, 28 Mar 1914) The Roosevelt Standard newspaper wrote: "S. M. Shelton of Cedarview is moving his stock of general merchandise from Cedarview to Duchesne. "'A rolling stone' -- but then Steve don't want moss, he is after "kale". (Roosevelt Standard, 12 Jul 1914) Duchesne's future was looking good. A portion of Wasatch County had just been split off to form the new County of Duchesne. Aaron received an LDS infant blessing by Joseph H. LAMBERT on 2 Aug 1914 in Myton, Utah.

Aaron, abt 1 yr

Aaron, abt 4 yrs

On 1 Dec 1914, Aaron's parents sold Myton Lot 3, Block 18 to a family named KETTLE. "Steve Shelton, the former Myton merchant, has moved from Cedarview to Duchesne, at which place he will open up a general store. The Record wishes him success, and we know a large number of Steve's friends join us." (Roosevelt Standard, 14 Dec 1914)

1915: On 10 Jan 1915 LDS records for Stephen Morton SHELTON were "received from Glines Ward into Duchesne Ward with wife Fannie E. [sic] Wardle, dau of Edwin Wardle and Elizabeth Thompson." About the beginning of 1915 Leonard's family moved to Duchesne. 1916: "Cedarview is soon to have a first class general store. The store buildings and property formerly occupied by S. M. Shelton has been purchased by Geo. R. Cox of Arlington, Colo. Mr Cox has gone east to get a first-class supply of merchandise for the Cedarview people. He will carry at least a $4,000.00 stock." (Roosevelt Standard, 5 Jan 1916) Also "Mrs. Stephen M. Shelton of Duchesne is getting treatment at the hospital here." (Roosevelt Standard, 12 Jan 1916)

1917: The Germans sank three U.S. ships without warning on 18 Mar 1917. Then on 6 Apr the U.S. declared war on Germany and officially entered World War I "to make the world 'safe for democracy.'"

Vernal Dino

Uintah Oil

1918: On 12 Jul 1918 Aaron's sister, "Mickey", was born in Roosevelt, Utah. Aaron was 4 yrs old. The 1918-20 timeframe was horrible for sickness. A pandemic of Spanish Influenza killed 30 million people worldwide, including 600,000 in the U.S. Utah was not spared. "The schools closed here Tuesday by order of the state authorities on account of the Spanish Flu." (Roosevelt Standard, 16 Oct 1918)

Mormon church president, Joseph F. Smith, died of pneumonia on 19 Nov 1918. He was succeeded by President Heber J. Grant. Due to the widespread influenza pandemic of 1918-1920, a graveside service, rather than a public funeral, was held for Smith. He was interred in the Salt Lake City Cemetery on 22 Nov 1918. 1919: The following spring the war ended when the Treaty of Versalles was signed in France.

1920: The Stephen Morton SHELTON family appears on the Duchesne Precinct, Duchesne Twn, Duchesne County, U.S. Census for 1920 (Image). Aaron's dad is given as Stephen M. age 42, born in Utah. His occupation is given as Machinist, Garage. Steve's father's place of birth is given as Pennsylvania. His mother's place of birth is given as Scotland. Steve's wife is listed as Fannie A. age 37, born in Utah. Fannie's parents are both recorded as having been born in Wyoming. The children are given as Mary, dau age 18; John E., son age 16; Clara B, dau age 14; Jennie, dau age 10; Aaron, son age 5 & Winona, dau age 5 mo. Aaron's name (cursive) looks like "Arren". All the children are reported as born in Utah. On 3 May 1920 his oldest sister, Mary, married William Frank WOOLSEY.

Becoming an Uncle

1921: Exactly one year later Aaron became an uncle. William Edwin WOOLSEY was born to William & Mary on 3 May 1921. The baby was blessed in Duchesne Ward on 5 June 1921 by G. Victor BILLINGS. About this time Aaron's father began working as a government mail driver for the Uintah Basin. "Steve Shelton and James Paxman returned from Price Sunday. They report a lot of snow along the line. Read the new advertisement of the Roosevelt Implement & Vehicle Co. in this issue of the Standard." (9 Feb 1921) Warren HARDING became president of the U.S.

1922: The following year Aaron turned 8 years old, was baptized on 6 Aug 1922 by Julius JENSEN & confirmed by Edwin BINGHAM. This is according to the Duchesne Ward record, line #469, dtd 18 Jan 1931. "Steve Shelton was able to be out on Saturday. Steve and family have been under quarantine for smallpox." (Roosevelt Standard, 1 Feb 1922) "Mrs. Steve Shelton of Duchesne was the guest of Mrs. J. E. Morton for a few days the past week." (Roosevelt Standard, 20 Sep 1922) Aaron had a childhood friend he called "Boy Brock". He was a Ute Indian. The two boys felt so close that they went to the chief and asked for the ceremony joining them as blood brothers. Aaron proudly bore the scar on his wrist all his life from this ritual of cutting their wrists and the joining of their blood.

William & Mary Woolsey

Ted was ten years older. Aaron really admired his big brother. When Ted started talking about his interest in electricity, Aaron was interested too. When Ted began planning about going to school to learn that trade, Aaron wanted to also. Ted would say he wanted to become an electrician. Aaron would mimic, "I want to be a 'lecktrishen'". Ted & Aaron both became electricians.

Aaron & Ted

1923: Aaron's last baby sister, Theora, was born in Roosevelt, Utah, on 23 Jan 1923. Aaron remembers what a great manager his mother was. With her house always tidy, her kids too, Fannie still had time for visiting with friends. Her family was never neglected. Still, she was sometimes known as "Gaddin' Fan". When Aaron began driving, his mom would have him drive her around to visit family and friends. Calvin Coolidge became the 30th president of the U.S. in 1923.

1924: "Steve Shelton of Duchesne was a visitor in town on Saturday." (Roosevelt Standard, 10 Sep 1924) "Marvel Moore and Ted Shelton have bought the hot dog stand of Ervin Caldwell." (Roosevelt Standard, 17 Sep 1924) "Ted Shelton has sold his picture show machine and equipment to the Halstead brothers. Ted has gone to Colorado to work." (Roosevelt Standard, 15 Oct 1924) Aaron said his family ran the showhouse in Duchesne. Clara played spookie, happy, sad, etc. music on the pump organ. Aaron would be on the floor working the pump; Clara was too little to reach.

1925: Ted married Clem KILLIAN on 26 Jan 1925; and Clara married Vance Carl LARSON on 23 Mar 1926. Three months later, on 28 Jun 1926, Mary Louisa SHELTON Woolsey died at age 25. Aaron was then 12 years old. Mary's two sons, William Edwin ("Bill") & Howard E. Woolsey came to live with Aaron's family for a time. Bill was 5 and Howard was 2.

1926: Aaron remembers "Uncle Charlie" Fausett came to live with them for a time. He really liked Uncle Charlie but never quite understood just how he fit into the family... and for good reason! Charlie is the son of John McKee FAUSETT & Abigail HARRIS Goforth Shelton (Aaron's great grandmother). It does get confusing since John FAUSETT had previously married Aaron's grandfather's (John SHELTON) half sister (Mary Ann SHELTON). Betty Jean LARSEN (Clara's daughter) was born in 1926. Aaron remembers driving Clara to a hospital when she went into labor. Altho it is not now known which of Clara's pregnancies this was, Aaron later reported he was too little to see out the windshield. He said he had to peek out thru the steering wheel. We know for sure Aaron was young!

1927: In 1927 Aaron was ordained a deacon. Also, his sister Jennie married Ernest Floyd EVANS. On 6 Apr 1927 Uncle Charles Edward FAUSETT died. Aaron's grandfather, Edwin Ralph WARDLE died on 11 Aug 1927.

1928: On 1 Aug 1928, Aaron's mother, Fannie WARDLE Shelton, bought the eastern half of Lot 22, Lot 23 & Lot 24 Block 18 in Duchesne, Utah, for $1,332.41. Their family had a nice radio receiver; and Fannie enjoyed inviting friends over to listen to the Amos 'n Andy Show and later other favorites like Burns & Allen, Ma Perkins, Jack Benny & Fibber McGee. 1929: Herbert HOOVER became the 31st president of the U.S. on 4 Mar. The "Great Depression" began on Black Tuesday when the New York Stock Exchange crashed. Francis M. SHELTON of Talmage was the area's juvenile judge. Aaron would later tell about a time when he & a friend shot out some streetlights with their slingshots. Judge SHELTON sentenced them to community service. They had street cleaning duty & had to wear an embarassing sign that said "Convict". He was thru being a vandal.

Ernest, Pat, Steve & Aaron

1930: Aaron was ordained a teacher on 21 Jun 1930 by Lester W. A. SLOTT in Duchesne, Utah. Aaron was 16. The family appears on the U.S. 1930 census for the Duchesne Precinct, Duchesne City, Duchesne County, Utah. (Image) Aaron's dad is given as Steve, age 51, born in Utah. The census shows they owned their home, value of $2,000. Steve's occupation is given as Government Stage Driver. Both Steve's parents' place of birth is given as Utah. Steve's wife is listed as Fannie, age 47, born in Utah. Fannie's parents are both recorded as having been born in Utah.

Steve & Fannie's children are given as Aaron, son age 15, Winona, dau age 10; Theora, dau age 7 & William, son age 8. This William most likely is Aaron's nephew, son of Mary SHELTON Woolsey who died in 1926. All the children are reported as born in Utah. Aaron's sister Jennie & husband Ernest appear as the next census family entered (next door?) (Ernest) Floyd Evans, age 25, born in Georgia is recorded as renting his home for $10 monthly. Ernest's occupation is given as Painter House. Jennie's age is 21, born in Utah. Daughter Mary is given as 1 yr, born in Utah.

Civilian Conservation Corps

1933: When Franklin D. ROOSEVELT took over as president in 1933, the U.S was experiencing the worst depression of its history. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was one of the "New Deal" programs implemented by President ROOSEVELT to help relieve the situation. Within the State of Utah there were 116 CCC camps. Nearly 17,000 young men in Utah joined the CCC, most were between 18-23 yrs old. Aaron was one of these young men.

Ashley

"Of the 122 men at Bullionville, designated by the government as the Kaler Hollow camp, 40 are from Duchesne county, 41 from Uintah, 19 from Carbon and 19 from Virginia. Captain Upson and Lieutenant Racker, with four enlisted men, have charge of the men while in camp." "The men at Bullionville have completed the highway connecting the Vernal-Manila road with the old historic Thornburg road on Taylor mountain. They will continue their work on the Thornburg road as far as Summit park. The road is partially built at the present time to Government park, where the timber was cut and hauled over the Thornburg road to Ashley valley in the early days for the construction of Fort Thornburg." (Roosevelt Standard, 6 Jul 1933)

CCC Statue

The work of the CCC was varied. After a time of clearing out weeds & sagebrush, Aaron jumped at the chance to install phone lines. The call was for anyone "experienced" which Aaron was not. He had, however, learned a little about wiring from his electrician brother. Aaron was a quick learner & quickly fit himself into this work. This, too, was the beginning of his career as an electrician. One experience while in the CCC was that of poison ivy which Aaron go so bad that the medical people wanted to remove his hands. Aaron overheard a conversation at the hospital where he was staying. He sneaked out and headed for Dr. Morton. His hands were saved! 1935-36: Mickey married Bill CASADAY on 14 Sep 1935; and Clara married Roderick ("Pat") McKENDRICK on 5 Dec 1936 in Coalville, Utah.

Following in his brother Ted's footsteps, Aaron later went to work for Utah Power & Light. He worked as a lineman in Tooele, Utah, from about 1935 to 1937 before meeting the young lady he would one day marry. He'd been rooming with a family named ATKINSON. He have an engagement ring to their daughter before she became a Mormon missionary. This is not the lady he married.

Coconut Grove Ballroom

1937: Even so, in 1937 Leonard met his bride-to-be (a different woman) at a dance at America's largest ballroom, the Coconut Grove, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was living on the "salt flats" at the time. LIVING remembers being attracted by Aaron's good grooming and excellent taste in his clothes. Aaron got the engagement ring back from the other lady. From the night of the dance Aaron knew he would marry LIVING.

The day he proposed he'd taken his new sweetheart to Ted's house. While there, Ted's kids "spilled the beans" about the other woman. They said they liked the new girlfriend almost as much as they liked the one Uncle Aaron was going to marry. That night Aaron proposed & was shocked when LIVING slapped him in return. She told Aaron she knew about the other woman. She was especially enraged that Aaron was dating her while his missionary fiance was away. Aaron explained that he had broken up and that the ring had been returned. The couple then planned to marry within a few days. LIVING had been staying with her sister in Tooele; but now it was time to speak to her parents about getting married.

Wedding Bells

Altho her family had been living on the "salt flats", they were then in the process of moving to Salt Lake City. LIVING's mother was busy getting the new house ready when Leonard & LIVING dropped in for a "chat". Mother of LIVING said it was okay with her if they wed but that LIVING needed to go ask her dad. Dad was back at the ranch on the "salt flats". He still had animals to tend & to sell. Aaron & LIVING went out to the ranch to speak with the father. Father of LIVING said he liked Aaron. After a lengthy discussion, he gave the young couple his blessing; & the wedding was on. Mother of LIVING made the wedding cake. LIVING had decided she wanted it to be chocolate. When sister of LIVING learned they planned on just going to the courthouse, she intervened. She told them the least they could do was to get married by clergy, not just by a judge.

Aaron & LIVING

Sister of LIVING hosted the wedding. They were married on 6 Dec 1937 in Tooele, Utah, by Bishop Ross GOWANS. Leonard was already acquainted with Bishop GOWANS thru his job. Leonard invited Ross over "for dinner" after work. Having a feeling this might be more than just dinner, Bishop GOWANS arrived with his scriptures. Attending were LIVING's parents; her hosting sister & husband; another sister & her husband and LIVING's aunt & uncle. Leonard's mother was angry that she was not invited. This was not a deliberate snub; things just happened fast. LIVING wore her sister's dress & of course she looked lovely.

The couple honeymooned at the Kirk Hotel in Tooele. The newlyweds lived in Tooele for a short time, at first staying with LIVING's sister. Then they moved into a place of their own very close by. A short time after getting married LIVING became pregnant. Besides feeling terrible, LIVING actually fainted a couple of times. Consequently, they moved in with LIVING's family where she had someone close by help when needed. 1938: The couple lived with Aaron's parents in Roosevelt for a time. They welcomed their first son on 2 Oct 1938. 1939: Germany invaded Poland & World War II was set into motion. Theora married James Ricks SMITH, Jr. on 23 Sep 1939. 1940: Aaron's next child, a daughter, was born on 14 Jun 1940. 1941: His parents moved to Salt Lake City about 1941.

From Utah to California

Aaron moved his young family near Oakland, California, where he worked for Cutter Labs. It was wartime; and Cutter made penicillin. Aaron’s civilian job was critical to the war effort; and, therefore, he was exempt from the draft. 1943: Aaron & his wife had another daughter on 22 Feb 1943. 1945: Harry Truman became the 33rd president of the U.S. in April. Aaron's father, Stephen Morton SHELTON, died in Salt Lake City, Utah on 12 May 1945. Heber J. GRANT died two days later, on 14 May. George Albert Smith became the new LDS leader. On 6 Aug the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Japan surrendered in Tokyo Harbor on 14 Aug. Then Aaron & his wife welcomed their last child, another daughter, on 31 Aug 1945. One summer two nieces came to stay. Aaron had lots of good family times, including a trip to Fish Lake with his inlaws. They used to have a sawmill there. The camping trip lasted several days and a lifetime of memories.

Electricity

1946: In 1946 this family of six moved to San Jose, California. Aaron was an electrical contractor for a time. Aaron's children remember early family trips to Santa Cruz (Seacliff), "Big Trees" park & also to San Francisco (Golden Gate Park & the zoo). The family used to stop at Fishermen's Wharf & Aaron would by freshly steamed shellfish which he savored. Aaron loved to catch and eat fish. Half Moon Bay & the "Cement Bottom Boat" were Pacific coast favorites. Watermelon was another favorite food of Aaron's. Aaron had bad allergies, sneeszing lots. No flowers allowed in the house. Aaron said watermelon actually made him feel better & believed it contained healing properties.

1951: On 1 Jan 1951 the family was shocked to learn Thomas Ivo GLEDHILL had died of a heart attack. On 11 Aug 1951 Leonard was ordained an elder into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This was by Bishop Dyke WALTON of the Naglee Park Ward, Palo Alto Stake. Aaron next took his wife & children to the Salt Lake Temple where they were sealed on 16 Aug 1951 by Robert D. YOUNG. Aunt Clara helped the children get ready for this special day of being sealed to their parents. They got to ride in a taxicab. Witnesses were John E. (Ted) SHELTON & Alden O. GLEDHILL. Both Aaron and his wife were endowed the same day. They are listed on TIB #3490, Book J, Pg 167, FHL 1263386.

Every year Aaron spent one or two weeks in Utah, bringing his wife and children to visit with grandparents, aunts, uncles & cousins. Altho the trip seemed long and tiresome for the young children back then, the family today share many happy memories of these occasions. Other fun family activities include picnics at Alum Rock Park (near San Jose, California), camping at Portola Park & trips to Yosemite. Cookie was a Cocker Spaniel the family once owned. They also had a parakeet named Chirpie. While living in San Jose, the family was involved in building an LDS chapel. Aaron was in charge of wiring the building; his wife was Relief Society president. Both spent countless hours of donated labor in the 1950s.

Around 1951 an uncle came to live with Aaron's for a time. Favorite TV shows included Our Miss Brooks, Father Knows Best, Dragnet, The Lone Ranger & I Love Lucy. Hawaii Calls w/Harry Owens and Hilo Hattie were favorites programs for Aaron. George Albert SMITH died on 4 Apr 1950. His picture hung in the Naglee Park Ward, Palo Alto Stake building for a long time after he was replaced by David O. McKay. Aaron's wife did not drive back then. Often Aaron dropped the family off for church services. There was a little candy store nearby where they enjoyed getting ice cream cones. There was a donut shop not too far from home which sold "spud nuts", made from potatoes. Very tasty.

Uncle Jerald married Anna Hereford in Aug 1952. Dwight Eisenhower became the 34th president of the U.S. in Jan 1953. Foy married Donna Mar 1953. Convention. General Conference first ouside Oct 53. Got a transistor radio. Fifty Fifties and INA. Disneyland on TV. Donna n Foy. We enjoyed the Cisco Kid, Doggy in the Window, Vaya Con Dios, Mr. Sandman, Sh-Boom, Shake, Rattle and Roll & Rock Around the Clock about 1955.

Aaron was an electronics wiz. He enjoyed putting together sound and entertainment systems & was no doubt an unsung pioneer in that industry. Early radio shows the family enjoyed included Ozzie & Harriet and The Shadow. The Lone Ranger, Hop-Along Cassidy, Lassie, Rin-Tin-Tin, Roy Rogers, Art Linkletter & Kate Smith were also favorites. Then there were the dramas of The Whistler, The Shadow, Boston Blackie and Mr & Mrs. North. The children liked Big Jon & Sparkie, Buster Brown with Midnight the Cat and Squeakie the Mouse, Beanie & Cecil, especially when Cecil sang "Ragmop". Aaron was first in his neighborhood to get a television. Strangers would see the antena on the house and ask if they could come in and see this new wonder. Some of Aaron's early favorites were Red Skelton, I Love Lucy, Dragnet & The Life of Riley. Polio was a big threat in 1952. Folks were warned about places where they would swim. Aaron's family used to sing together, especially gathering around the piano at Christmas time. Other favorites are songs Tell Me Why & You Belong To Me. We witnessed on TV the corronation of Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain & Ireland. Primary Children's birthday cake. Count. Mr. PotatoHead, Cootie, Tiddlywinks.

1955: Fannie, Aaron's mother, got remarried to Frank MAYHEW; but they eventually divorced. Aaron enjoyed spending time with his long-time buddy, Walt THEOBALD. Aaron's wife stayed busy with family and church. Aaron went to work for Lockheed Corp. in Sunnyvale, California in 1955. There he was in charge of specialized welding equipment. He worked with exotic materials used in spacecraft for the NASA program. TV westerns were becoming popular, especially Wyatt Earp and Gunsmoke.

Three of his four children were married within a span of less than a year, from Dec 1959 to Sep 1960. Grandchildren came quickly. Aaron's son's wife already had a daughter from a previous marriage, whom his son raised as his own. Aaron's oldest daughter had the second grandchild, also a girl, in 1961. Aaron's youngest daughter married in 1965.

1971: Aaron's mother died in Salt Lake City, Utah, on 8 Mar 1971. Fannie Adelia WARDLE Shelton was laid to rest in the Salt Lake City Cemetery next to her husband, Stephen Morton SHELTON. Aaron’s parents taught him to be thrifty. He always worked hard to provide for his family. He was honest. He kept his word and expected others to do the same. He was financially successful and generous as well. Aaron had no advanced formal education; and yet he was always able to feed & shelter his family. He was thrifty & planned well.

With All the Children Grown

Aaron also enjoyed his playtime. His hobbies & interests were many. He enjoyed model airplanes & real ones. He liked fishing & camping. He & his wife spent many years with a group in California called the “Nifty Fifties”. They all had motorcycles & campers. He donated countless hours doing electrical wiring for church camps & chapels in California throughout the years.

Joy Riding

Leonard Aaron Shelton

He loved music. He was especially fond of Hawaiian music & the classics. He had a “good ear”’ for sound & had start-of-the-art recording equipment. He wired & built his own stereo system back before they were available commercially. He invented many things. If he needed something he could not otherwise obtain, he set about engineering and then creating whatever it was he needed. Aaron worked for years to teach himself to play the organ, although he didn’t read music.

Aaron was the perfect handyman. He could fix just about anything. Aaron was also a natural leader; people were drawn to him & often sought his advice. Thru most of his young adult life he struggled to control his temper, which he finally did. He always had a difficult time trying to put his feelings into words. As a result, he did have some relationship struggles. With his temper under control he was able to be stable, strong & trustworthy.

1977: He retired from Lockheed, sold his house in San Jose & moved to Gilroy, California, in 1977. After a time, Leonard & his wife yearned to return back to the land of their childhood. They moved to Orem, Utah, in 1989. Unfortunately, however, his health was never good enough in recent times to do many of the things he loved in Utah in his youth. 1992: One highlight was a trip to SHELTON & LDS historical sites in 1992. Aaron loved people to stop in and visit at his home. He loved swapping stories & sharing his experiences. He was a great story teller & had a great sense of humor. He loved life & made it fun. In his last years he used to joke that he stopped buying green bananas!

Aaron also had a spiritual side. He loved the Lord. Sacred things were so close to his heart, in fact, that he could not speak about them without fighting back tears. 2003: Finally, Leonard returned back to our Heavenly Father. He died peacefully at his home in Orem, Utah, on 2 Jan 2003, & was buried in the Orem City Cemetery.

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Sheila Gibson ~ SpiritHawk
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Copyright © 2003 Ethereal World ~ 09 Sep 2003 10:00:00 GMT