Lynn Tate Shelton
March 6, 1932 - August 26, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lynn Tate Shelton (Tate), 92, of Waco, on August 26, 2024. After many years of courageously battling and surviving numerous health issues, Tate faced a severe case of pneumonia and bravely chose the path of hospice care, allowing him to pass on his own terms with his family by his side.
Tate was the youngest of three brothers, born to Whitsit Myles Shelton and Lula Wakefield Shelton of Waco. He is predeceased by his brothers, Whitsit and Arnold. Tate attended Waco High School, where his love of jazz and music began. He played the trumpet in the school band and would often drive to New Orleans with his friends, spending nights perched on old milk crates, while listening to legendary jazz musicians fill the night air with their music. At Waco High he also met the love of his life, Marynell Farr. Their passion for dancing and deep love for each other remained with them throughout their lives. They were married for 73 years and lovingly raised four children. Tate is survived by the love of his life, Marynell Shelton; sons, Mike and James; daughters, Lynnell and Lisa; as well as 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
His love for his family was the cornerstone of his life; they always came first. Tate was the most loving, kind, and generous husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Family reunions and gatherings were large, loud, and joyous occasions, filled with laughter, love, and plenty of food. He was also a very devoted Christian man to his church Meadowbrook of Waco. His love for his church family showed through his dedication to the youth and seniors of the church.
Tate’s love for life was evident in the way he lived every day. He believed that life was meant to be enjoyed in all aspects—work, play, family, and friendships. Always happy and cheerful, he made an effort to make all those around him feel the same way. He had an unwavering optimism that life is a gift to be lived to the fullest and that challenges were there to make it all the more worthwhile. Whether he was working seven days a week preparing and managing his J. C. Penney and Bealls stores or running barbed-wire fences on his ranch in the heat of August, he always gave 100 percent, with a smile of gratitude on his face.
Even in the face of his own death, Tate maintained his love for life. He humorously requested a Mardi Gras-style funeral with bagpipes leading the way. If that was too unreasonable, he would settle for just the bagpipes. He loved life until the very end.
While we mourn the loss of his passing, Tate made sure to leave a part of himself with all who knew him—his joy, his optimism, and his love. He now lives on in each of us.