Col. Donald E. Shelhammer was born in Plato, Mo. on April 9, 1941, to Edwin Francis and Gladys Margaret Shelhammer. He passed away on Feb. 9, 2024, in Raymondville, Mo.
Don moved to Houston at the age of six and graduated from Houston High School in 1959. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Drury University in 1963 and his Master’s Degree from Ball State University in 1976.
Don entered the USAF Officer’s Training School and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in 1964. He served in the USAF for 24 years as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in a variety of jobs, at wing, numbered air force, and major air command levels. His assignments included Squadron Maintenance Officer positions at Tyndall AFB in Florida, Ubon Royal Thai AB in Thailand, Griffiss AFB in New York, and Athenai Airport in Greece; Staff Maintenance Officer at Westover AFB in Massachusetts, Offutt AFB in Nebraska, and Torrejon AB in Spain; Squadron Commander at Castle AFB in California and Fairchild AFB in Washington; Assistant Deputy Commander for Maintenance at Dyess AFB in Texas; and Deputy Commander for Maintenance at Altus AFB in Oklahoma.
He graduated from the USAF Maintenance Officer’s School at Chanute AFB in Illinois, Squadron Officer’s School, Air Command and Staff College, and The Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
His awards include: The Legion of Merit, The Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak clusters, The Air Force Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and one bronze oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Air Force Overseas Short Tour and Long Tour Ribbons, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster and one bronze oak leaf cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Master Aircraft and Munitions Maintenance Badge.
Don retired from the United States Air Force in the rank of Colonel in 1988.
Don married Nicole Huc of St. Dizier, France in 1969. They had one son Jean-Louis (pronounced John Louie) Shelhammer of Panama City Beach, Fla. and one granddaughter Leila.
After his retirement from the Air Force, he and Nicole owned and operated the Houston Florist and Gifts for seven years. He worked as an economic developer for the City of Houston in a part time position, taught at Texas County Technical College, worked in curriculum development for accreditation and grant writing, and was also in charge of the Adult Basic Education (high school equivalency program).
In 2002 he was elected Presiding Commissioner of Texas County and served two terms through 2010. He oversaw the 18-million-dollar construction of the Texas County Justice Center and jail. He served in many positions in organizations in the area, to include President of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, President of the Houston Lions Club, Board of Directors of the Texas County Memorial Hospital Board, District Governor of District 26 M-1 of the Missouri Lions Club, and Chairman of the local Texas County Rural Area Information Network Board of Directors. He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Military Officers Association of America.
A memorial visitation was held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Evans Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life followed at 11 a.m. with Reverend Eddie Bone and Pastor Paul Murray officiating. Inurnment was at Pine Lawn Cemetery in Houston. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.
PAID