Allen L. Shelton, 77, of Oberlin, Kansas, died August 23, 2020, at the
University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born August 8, 1943
at his Grandmother Desbien’s home in Damar, Kansas to James Milford and
Stella Irene (Desbien) Shelton. He was their oldest child with brothers
Denis, Jim, Rodney, and Maurice arriving to complete the family. Allen
grew up in Hill City where he attended grade, junior high and high
school, graduating in the Hill City High School Class of 1961.
Allen graduated from Fort Hays State College in 1965 and then
entered Washburn University School of Law in Topeka. Interestingly, his
last two years of classes were spent in trailers after the June 8,
1966 Topeka tornado demolished the law school. In 1968 he received his
Juris Doctorate degree from Washburn University, where he ranked fourth
in his class. Returning to his hometown, he joined Kenneth Clark’s law
firm. After Allen became a partner the firm was known as Clark and
Shelton. A high point in his career was when he was hired as a special
prosecutor in two high-profile murder cases in the 1970’s. Through the
years he won many appeals before the Kansas Supreme Court. Later Allen
practiced law in both Oberlin and Smith Center. Allen was very
passionate about his work and helped an unfathomable number of people
through his practice. He was devoted to his clients and was “at home” in
the courtroom. Allen practiced law until his death, a career which
lasted 51 years.
Leisure time found Allen enjoying hunting, fishing, reading,
listening to music, watching old westerns and Fox News. Photography was
another interest. He found much pleasure hiking in pastures
photographing wildflowers, which he later researched. Allen was such an
avid KU basketball fan and enjoyed watching all types of sports on
ESPN. He always looked forward to taking his oldest grandson to the
local high school basketball games. Allen’s love of learning and
intelligence, which enabled him to answer his children’s many questions,
as well as his sense of humor, was appreciated by them. Most of all
Allen loved spending time with his grandkids who meant everything to
him. They gave his life meaning.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his
children: Jason Shelton, Wichita, Jordan Shelton, Portland, Oregon and
Miranda (Tim) Gish, Oberlin; Stepchildren: Monica Larson, Carl (Des)
Larson, Marissa (Kane) Robinson and Colby (Anna) Larson; ex-wives Kay
Clark, Wichita and Marla (Stepp) Shelton, Oberlin; brothers: Denis
Shelton, Hill City, Jim Shelton, Hays, Rodney Shelton, Haviland, and
Maurice (Nancy) Shelton, Buffalo; nine grandchildren, other relatives
and friends. Hill City always had a special place in Allen’s heart. He
delighted in returning as often as possible to visit family and friends
who will forever remember and miss him.
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