Lex Shelby, age 83, of DeLeon, Texas, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2007, at Plaza Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. He was born August 29, 1923, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Cader Lex Shelby Sr. and Mary Conrad Shelby. He was united in marriage to Melba Raye Wright on November 22, 1943, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Mr. Shelby had resided in DeLeon since 1953, having previously lived in Wichita Falls. He was a Pharmacist in DeLeon 47 years, beginning in 1953; graduated Oklahoma University in 1948 with a BS degree in pharmacy; also served as President of Letterman’s Club at OU; member of Texas Pharmaceutical Association for over 40 years, having served as a member of the Board of Directors 6 years; participated in Scouting as sponsor and director; former Peach and Melon Festival chairman; member of the DeLeon Masonic Lodge #445; Past President of the DeLeon Lions Club; served in the 15th Army Air Corps in Italy during WW II as a flight engineer and gunner and was the last living member of B-24 Crew of 10; member of the DeLeon First Baptist Church where he served as deacon and was Sunday School Director for 25 years.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at 2:00p.m., at the DeLeon Baptist Church with Minister Erin Weaver officiating. Burial was at the DeLeon Cemetery. Musicians were Royce Dowell, Berry Dowell, and Al Travis. Pallbearers were Shelby Tucker, Adam Kent, Matt Christensen, John Ledbetter, Mark Hanna, Ronnie Wright, Jerry Casey, W.H. Smith, Jr., Dale Johnson, and Dr. F.A. Eisenrich. Honorary pallbearers: members of the Loyalty Sunday School Class and the First Baptist Church Deacons.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church building fund. Visitation was Monday evening, July 2, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Nowlin Funeral Home.

Survived by wife Melba Shelby of DeLeon; two daughters, Sheri Morgan and husband Jerry of DeLeon and Jo Anne Tucker of Waco; two sisters Marilyn Suchanek and Leta Wimpey, both of Atlanta, Georgia; four grandchildren, Julie Morgan Chistensen and husband Matt, Karen Morgan Weaver and husband Erin, Shelby Wayne Tucker and wife Amy and Christie Anne Kent and husband Adam; and four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Weaver, Austin Weaver, Jakob Christensen and Gracie Weaver.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jim Shelby.