Verlon Shelby Jr. , age eighty, passed away on Friday November 22, 2024, Evanston, Illinois. Verlon was born on December 22, 1943, in Widener, AR to Elizabeth and Verlon Shelby Sr. The family moved to St. Louis, MO in 1957, Verlon settled in Evanston, IL in 1961.

Verlon was a devoted husband, father, and friend. His impact on those around him will be cherished forever.

As a proud member of Friendship Baptist Church, Verlon served as a trustee embodied the spirit of community and faith. He had a passion for traveling and made it a point to attend every family reunion, relishing the time spent with loved ones and creating lasting memories. Verlon was an avid sports enthusiast and a fierce competitor in everything he pursued. He graduated from Lincoln High School in St. Louis, where he played a pivotal role in helping his football team win four championships, show casing his dedication and competitive spirit.

Professionally, Verlon started his career at Decorating Glass Company, finishing by dedicating 40 years to March Manufacturing from where he retired. In addition to his primary career, Verlon engaged in various businesses, such as Recycling precious metals, and selling fresh produce. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident in all that he did.

Known as one of the luckiest men alive when it came to the Illinois Lottery, Verlon often shared his good fortune with family and friends, adding to the joy and laughter in their lives.

Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Elizabeth and Verlon Shelby Sr., his siblings, Lillian (Sweet) Jones, Mary Elizabeth (Dottie) Shelby, Ulysses (Russ) Young. Verlon is survived by his loving wife, Rita Shelby; his siblings, Ernie Lanos, Wardell (Carolyn) Mathis, Winston (Carol) Shelby, Danny (Rick) Hicks; his brother in-laws, Nathaniel (Hazel) Richardson and Terry Daniel; his children DeWayne (Daisha) Fox, Queing Beasley, Natasha Holmes, Donald (Tony) Shelby, and Christopher Shelby. He was also a proud grandfather to Jonathan, Destiny, Shanice, Janelle, Christian, Devin, and Tayah, as well as three great-grandchildren: Jace, James, and Julia as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends.

He has been a rock to many. He was also a friend, a colleague, a cousin, brother, stand-in paternal figure to the fatherless and the list goes on.

Verlon's warm spirit, kind heart, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love and dedication to his family will live on in their hearts forever.