Thomas Robert Shelley died October 10, 2020, at Haciendas at Grace Village care facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, three days before his 85th birthday from the effects of dementia.
Tom was born October 13, 1935, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Edwin and Idah Grimes Shelley, Grant County pioneer families, and lived there for most of his life. Tom married the love of his life, Roberta Mrotzek, on March 30, 1956, in their hometown. They had seven children: Kenneth, Shelley, Fredrick, Thomas, Kevin, Devin, and Derwin.
At Cliff High School in Cliff, New Mexico Tom enjoyed sports, lettering in basketball and track.
He was also active in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and was chapter president for three years. In 1953 Tom graduated valedictorian. He then attended New Mexico College of Agriculture & Mechanic Arts in Las Cruces, New Mexico graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Tom joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at college. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant officer in the US Army. Tom then served in the in the US Army then Army Reserve for 11 years. He finished his obligation as a captain.
Tom was employed 1965-1998, 33 years, at Chino Mines in Hurley, New Mexico as Field Repair Foreman, Senior Industrial Engineer, Plant Design Engineer, and Land & Water Resources Manager. He had a Professional Engineer Certification. In 1971 Tom earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering at Iowa State University. He also operated a ranch along Mogollon Creek near Cliff, New Mexico.
Tom listed his hobbies as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, basketball, track, softball, tennis, racquet ball, swimming, student pilot. He loved playing piano. Tom was a staunch supporter and member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Tom and Roberta worked to ensure all their 6 sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout! He served in various capacities culminating as District Chairman. Tom received the Silver Beaver Award from the Theodore Roosevelt Council.
Tom was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since his baptism in 1955. Reflecting on his life he stated “Each year of my life since baptism has been filled with labors of love and attending joy.” Tom served in various capacities including Bishop and Stake Patriarch. He and Roberta also served as senior missionaries in Birmingham, England from 2000 to 2001.
He is survived by his loving wife Roberta Shelley of the family home; six sons, Ken Shelley and wife Valerie of Los Alamos, NM; Rick Shelley and wife Stacy of Tempe, AZ; Tom Shelley and wife Sandy of Silver City; Kevin Shelley of Park City, UT; Devin Shelley and wife Holly of Kaysville, UT; and youngest son, Derwin Shelley of East Brookfield, MA; one daughter, Shelley Wright and husband Tyler of Grants Pass, OR; twenty-five grandchildren; thirty-four great grandchildren; one sister, Judith Louise Barentine and husband Roy of Gila. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Ann Shelley.
Visitation will be Saturday, October 17 from 1-2pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints Stake Center on Swan St. Silver City, NM with the funeral service to commence at 2pm with Bishop Neil McDonald officiating. Concluding service and interment will be at Gila Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers are Ken, Rick, Tom, Kevin, Devin, Derwin, Severn, and Josh Shelley. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.