C. A. “Pete” Shelton
Longtime Beaumont Fire Chief and community leader Chester A. “Pete” Shelton died peacefully in his home on July 25, 2024, at 92 years old. He is revered as one of the most influential leaders in the fire service and our community.
Pete was born in Beaumont, Texas, to Ralph Dewey Shelton and Helen Mary Enderle on June 25, 1932. Growing up in the depression, Pete learned to appreciate the value of hard work and having the ability to provide for his family. He grew up in a devout Catholic family who instilled that faith in him. Pete enjoyed helping his father raise many small farm animals as a young child. When he wasn’t helping with the animals, he would help with his family’s garden, where he developed a love for gardening that he would carry with him into his adult life.
His childhood home was right behind Fire Station 7, where his father worked as a Beaumont firefighter for part of his career. He enjoyed playing with his siblings and friends around the fire station in his free time and listening for the tones to come through the station. This early exposure to the fire service greatly influenced his decision to join the Beaumont Fire Department after graduating from St. Anthony High School in 1950, where he proudly served with his father, brother, and uncle. The family tradition grew when his son, Patrick Shelton, became a Beaumont firefighter.
He started his career with the Beaumont Fire Department in 1950. His commitment to service grew rapidly as he progressed through the ranks, earning the appointment to Fire Chief in 1976. He joined the US Army in 1958 and proudly remained in the US Army Reserve until 1966. During his 20-year tenure as Beaumont Fire Chief, he provided us with a shining example of what service to the community is. He developed the Beaumont Fire Training grounds, a world-class training facility that still exists today. He established the Fire Department Headquarters building, a state-designated historical landmark, as the Beaumont Fire Department Historical Museum. In 1986, this museum was established as the State Fire Museum of Texas. Through his leadership, he was able to relocate fire stations, improve response times, establish a maintenance shop for fire and emergency services vehicles, and many other progressive accomplishments for the department. In 1987, he worked with the International Association of Fire Chiefs to develop the Fire Chief’s Code of Ethics, which remains a guiding resource for Fire Chiefs today. In addition, he served tirelessly, gaining many more accomplishments than those noted, and served in leadership capacities on numerous advisory boards and non-profit organizations. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Texas A&M Fire Training School as an instructor and in other capacities for over 40 years. He also served the Sabine Neches Chief’s Association, including a term as the association’s President. During his service career, he earned many local and national awards, highlighting his commitment and love for the fire service and the City of Beaumont. During his time as Fire Chief, he also stepped up to fill the position of interim city manager to help the city through a time of changeover. In addition to his 46 years of service to the city, he was called back to serve the department once more 11 years after his retirement. He returned as Interim Fire Chief in 2007 and served approximately one year while the city worked to find its next Fire Chief.
In addition to the 47 years of service to the Beaumont Fire Department, Pete showed an incredible commitment to the Port of Beaumont by serving on the Board of Commissioners from 1989 to 2019. He served the Port as Vice President and President of the Board of Commissioners for many years. During his thirty-year tenure as a commissioner, the Port of Beaumont saw many advancements and accomplishments. The success and growth of the port provided strength for the City of Beaumont and our entire region. Pete was very committed to advancing the Port of Beaumont, and his service as a commissioner was a source of great pride.
While the number of professional accomplishments is extraordinary, some of his self-proclaimed greatest accomplishments in life were his family. Pete married his beloved wife, Kathleen Corder, in 1961, and they went on to have three kids. When Pete wasn’t working, he enjoyed going to the family cabin at Crystal Beach, taking everyone to watch Patrick play baseball at West End Little League and to see football games at Forest Park High School. Pete also enjoyed hunting in his free time. After retirement, Pete enjoyed spending time with his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He maintained good relationships with his many friends, especially his St. Anthony High School buddies. He was well known for keeping a consistent weekly gathering at Market Basket for coffee and conversation.
Pete was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family and cherished every one of them. He was also a pillar of our community, exhibiting a community-oriented personality throughout his life. He believed it was important for future generations to understand that “it is very important to be involved in your community and always to do the right thing.” He believed in fully dedicating yourself to anything you do, big or small. He also believed in the importance of telling the people that you love how much you care for them. This embodied the caring heart he displayed through his work and throughout his life. His honorable life has made an imprint on all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and he will be deeply missed by all.
C.A. Pete Shelton is preceded in death by his parents, Helen Mary and Ralph Dewey Shelton, Sr.; sister, Joann Shelton; brothers, Leon Buddy Shelton and Ralph Dewey Shelton, Jr.; and sister, Helen Marie Hale. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen Shelton; his son, Patrick Shelton; his daughters, Karen Whynot and husband, Bob and Jill Proctor and husband, Jay; grandchildren, Kathleen Hendon and husband, Cody; Anthony Fazio and wife, Kate; Anna Foster and husband, Matthew; and Ford Proctor and wife, Madison. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Harbor Hospice and Lainie Banner for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lamar Institute of Technology Foundation Chief Pete Shelton Scholarship Endowment on the LiT website at www.lit.edu/foundation/ways-to-give/donate-now P.O. Box 10085, Beaumont, Texas 77710. For more information, please contact Krista Hunter by email foundation@lit.edu or telephone (409) 839-2956.
They also may be made to the Fire Museum of Texas, 400 Walnut Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or the St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School, 850 Forsythe Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701 www.sacbstx.org/page/annual-giving.
A Rosary for Chief Shelton will be recited at 4:30 p.m., with a time of sharing to follow until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont. His interment with honors by the Beaumont Fire Department with follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Video
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- July 30, 2024
- 4:30 pm
Time of Sharing to follow Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- July 30, 2024
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
- 700, Jefferson St, Beaumont, TX, 77701,
- July 31, 2024
- 11:00 am
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- July 31, 2024
I’m saddened to learn of Mr. Sheldon’s passing. He was a great leader and community supporter.
He always treated me kindly. I have such fond memories of spending time with him and the Shelton family.
I wish I could have been at his funeral, but please know I am thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Enjoyed our long time friendship with the Chief.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kathy and family
So sorry to learn of Pete passing.
I also just lost my grandson and I am not on full rails.
Please know I know your sorrow and you all are in my prayers.
What a treat it was to be a friend of “Chiefs” Man…he was larger than life. A Real Hero! I loved every second I was able to share with him. Love Ya Chief! R.I.P. Prayers for the Shelton Family!
A good man who loved the Beaumont Fire Department and the city of Beaumont. A good friend of my dad Raymond Westman. Prayers for the family.
Chief loved his City, loved his Port, and most of all loved and was proud of his family. I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me 22 years ago. God bless you, Pete.
May you rest in Peace. Fortunately, there are no fires to put out where you are!! God has made sure of that. I feel honored and fortunate to have crossed your path in my young life. Thanks for the memories.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember being a little girl traveling to Beaumont, to the house and meeting Chief Shelton. One of the funniest things I remember was that he called my brother Space Man. Then there were all the memories during fire school times. I appreciated so much that he and Kathy made the trip to Galveston for my father’s funeral. I wish I could be in Beaumont today to honor him at his funeral but please know I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Chief–the coffee is brewing in Heaven right now and while there are so many that loved you still here–there are many that are waiting to see you again. My mother is one of those that truly loved you as a neighbor, a friend and as a Leader of our community–she use to tell me as a young man–“If you can be even half of what “The Chief ” is to his family, God and the community, you will not only be successful, but you will be a leader in life” So true are those words– I have never forgotten those words or your leadership and your love for all of us–whenever there was trouble in our great City and I would see Pat–I would ask what is going on in City Hall and he would say–“Don’t worry ‘The Chief’ is on it right now!” I believed that every time I heard Pat say those words! ! The fact is most of the time it was true. Everyone in the City felt safer and knew that there was true, rational, non-partisan leadership at the helm when “The Chief” was making decisions. Every City needs a person like Chief Shelton –as does Washington DC–I am so happy to have known you Chief, laughed with you, listened to your wisdom and experienced true greatness and love in one package. Mahatma Gandhi said–“In a gentle way you can shake the world.” That is “The Chief” in one sentence!! Thank you for making us all better people and building a better community for our City and for loving each one of us as if we were your own family. Thank you for shaking us in a gentle way to make us all better leaders. In God’s Peace, Chief–save me a spot at the Coffee table–I cant wait to hear the new stories you have to tell. Mitchell Toups
I’m saddened to learn of Chief Shelton’s passing. He was a great leader and community supporter. I have always been grateful that Chief chose me to be the first “civilian” Museum Director of the Fire Museum of Texas back in the early 1990s. I so treasure my time working and learning all about the history of the Fire Department and doing Fire Prevention programs. Although I’m now working at the Tyrrell Park Nature & Visitors Center, my time under Chief Shelton at BFD/Fire Museum is one most dear to me. Praying for all Chief Shelton’s family. Sending my deepest condolences.
Rebecca Woodland
RIP to one of the greats of the greatest generation. It was an absolute pleasure to have known and worked with a legend like Pete.
Kathy, Pat, Jill and Karen we want you to know how very appreciative we are of Pete’s tremendous contribution to our community. He was an icon of loving and jovial friendships and a protector of our property and our standards of living. Such a man will always be remembered.
One of the finest men I’ve ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy, Karen and the rest of your family.
Rest in Peace, Uncle Pete. You and Sonny are my Heroes. May Eternal Rest Grant unto him, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. 🙏❤️
On behalf of the Fire Museum of Texas, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and all past and present members of the Beaumont Fire Department. Chief Shelton knew the importance of celebrating and educated our community about the history of firefighting which is how the museum came to be what it is today. He will be forever celebrated as our founder and will leave an extraordinary legacy in the Fire Museum of Texas for years to come. Thank you Chief Shelton for your years of dedicated service. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Dana Ward,
Fire Museum of Texas Coordinator (’21-’24)
Mrs. Shelton, Karen, Pat and Jill, so truly sorry for your loss. Over the years many great things have been shared by those who served under Chief Shelton. He was admired by many. Thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time.
Sending you my love with a long-distance hug. Praying that you will find strength and know that I am always here. Pete leaves behind a legacy that is admired by all. He will not be forgotten. Love you, Nancy
Dear, Pat, Jill, Karen and Mrs. Shelton,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I knew Mr. Pete as y’all’s dad, Mrs. Sheltons husband or as “The Chief”. But, I learned what a special man he was through my dad. (Paul Prejean). When we (me and my dad) would run into him he always made me feel special when he inquired about my life. Then he would proceed to tell funny stories about my dad and friends from St. Anthony. Dad didn’t share those stories much with us unless his friends would. And I’m so glad they did! Otherwise I would never have known that side of him. Dad had such respect and spoke so highly of Mr. Pete. He was one of a kind and will be dearly missed by so many!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
It was a privilege to work for him. I respected him and admired him. Rest in Peace Chief.
RIP.my dear friend over 50years .lots of memories.God bless the family.as I kneel to pray.
Rest in peace Pete. You worked hard to keep us all safe. Job well done!! To the family. You are in my prayers. Sorry I can’t make the service.
Chief Shelton was one of the finest men I have ever known and it was a privilege to have worked for him in the 70’s. Many a time, at a fire, he not only directed our actions, but was right in the thick of it with us.
We would follow him anywhere !
May God bless him and his family.
Chief Pete Shelton, one of the kindest, friendliest, helpful man, I’ve ever known. he was always so nice and thoughtful to me, for all these years , he always treated me with love.
I think you, Mr. Pete Shelton for your kindness to me and my family all these years.
What a beautiful family you had,
Lovely wife, two wonderful daughters, and a strong young man just like yourself.
And all your wonderful grandchildren.
Lord I know you have Pete Shelton in your arms, eternal life would be his forevermore.
Thank you Lord for this wonderful man we called Pete Shelton,
he truly was a genuine, kind, caring man.
His kindness and love will be missed greatly.
I will miss his gentle talks and his wisdom..
The last time I saw Pete, was at
St. Anthony’s Catholic Basilica Church, we got in trouble ,
talking during Mass.
He loved to talk, And I loved to listen to his every word.
Goodbye, my dear friend and thank you for being my friend.🛐💟🛐
Our deepest condolences to his beautiful family.💟💟💟
Sincerely
Rodney , Rhonda 🙏🙏
Thank You God, For Pete Shelton.
AMEN.🛐🛐🛐
As firefighters as had good times and hard times but always together. Praying for Pete’s family.
In will always remember Pete for his willingness to help others. He had an uncanny memory, met you once and remembered your name. I was fortunate to work several fires with him when we worked for the mutual aid association.
When Beaumont was in a bad way, Chief Shelton brought calm, competence and a sense that all would be well. He served as interim city manager as well as fire chief in a time of tumult and tamped down the blazes.
He served his city and the Port of Beaumont with steadiness and vision.
I am made better for having known him.
Thank you, Chief Shelton.
It was an honor and privilege to work with Chief through the LIT Foundation. His contributions to Beaumont is immeasurable. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Chief will be missed.
Rest in peace my friend. Praying for your family. You will definitely be missed by all.
I went to work at age 18 under Chief in 1977, He was always a leader and helped me grow into an amazing career. Thanks Chief for all you have done. RIP my brother and mentor. A great loss and great leader for Beaumont.
Jill , I’m so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Much love ❤️ 🙏
It was an honor knowing you Chief.
Chief Shelton said as one of the finest men and leaders I have ever known. I was honored to have worked for him and called him a friend. Condolences to his wonderful Wife and his son Pat who I’ve called friend for many years.
Pete Shelton was a good friend and always spoke you when he saw you. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace my friend. We have got it from here.
Grew up down the street from Mr Pete always respected him!
Chief was a good man he hired me on the department November 1979 he was my friend and leader I will never forget what he done for me RIP CHIEF
Thank you, Chief for the opportunity to begin my career at BMT EMS. You were a great leader and expected the best from everyone under your command. You inspired so many through your service to our community. Your legacy will not be soon forgotten. Rest well, sir.
Karlene I am so sorry for your loss. I still remember the night you took me to the firehouse and told me you and Pete were getting married. I was a heartbroken five year old because you weren’t going to wait for me. But you choose wisely. Pete was a fine man. A true hero to me and many others. Thank you for sharing him. May he rest in peace.
Chief Shelton was a giant not only in stature but in his actions and his reputation. He was a mentor of mine from a very young age and he always made feel like a member of his family. I learned so much from him and always made it a point to visit him when back in the Bmt area. A true legend.
RIP Chief…one of best who was a true leader. Prayers for his family.
The City of Beaumont and all of Southeast Texas mourns a great man. No one has loved the City of Beaumont more than Pete Shelton. Throughout his life, he gave of himself to the city, through the Fire Department, Port of Beaumont, LIT, St. Anthony Basilica School Foundation Board, and so many other important and notable organizations and causes that it is too lengthy to list them all here. He had an unwavering sense of right and wrong. He loved first and foremost his family, his faith, and his friends. He took an interest in everyone no matter what their position in life was. He had a gift for remembering names that only comes from a person who has a deep, caring concern for his fellow man. I was one of many who he took the time to counsel and mentor. I learned many life lessons from him. Most importantly it is not how much you know but how much you care. I will miss him greatly.
Chief, you were a very fine man. RIH, you have earned it. I walked in the old central fire station in 1979. Told a fireman standing there, I wanted to be one too. He said just a minute. Chief Shelton came out of his office and said come on in. We talked a long time about where I was from and all and he said you know this is a civil service job. You know what that is? I said no sir. He explained it to me. Walked me out to the curb and pointed down the street near the civic center. He said, you’ll find city hall right down there. I don’t know if they’ll take your app or not, but go on down there anyway. I went and was disappointed it was a 2 year waiting list at that time. I filled out a civil service application and within a month I was hired by the Police Dept! I’ll never forget how nice Chief Shelton was to a Kountze boy walking in off the street.
What a great man he will be missed by many.
To Mrs. Kathy, Pat, Karen, Jill and the Shelton Family
Please accept my deepest sympathy. When Karen called me this morning about Chief, I was lost for words. Chief was like a 2nd father to me and I loved your dad. Ever since meeting him when I was in junior high and high school with Pat, Chief became a mentor to me. Coming over to your house or riding with him in his car he would talk about being a public servant and how important it was to serve the community and take pride in everything you did for your community. As we know he served decades serving the City Of Beaumont as Fire Chief and at one point City Manager when they needed him with pride and distinction. Build the Beaumont Fire Department to one of the best in Jefferson County if not the best in the State of Texas. When I got out of the Army in 1984 and got a job with Dairy Queen as an assistance manager. In one of our talks, He told me that I would see the different side of the public when serving them. Some good and some bad, and don’t let the bad get the best of me, but keep serving and do my best and it will take care of itself. As of this day, I hold those words close to me as I work at a hospital in Houston serving and protection the staff, family and patients of that hospital with his words of wisdom he gave to me years ago. May he lay in peace and know his service will continue and never forgotten.
Such a great man I knew my entire life and was proud to call my “ Uncle Pete”.
Pete was the dearest friend. He was a blessing to his friends and to the City of Beaumont. He always stepped in when and where he was needed. Rest in peace dear friend💜
RIP Chief, you will definitely be missed. Prayers for comfort and peace to your family.
Adios Good Chief.
You may have slowed down, but you never ran out of steam ! It was a pleasure to have known you and to have worked for you. May you rest peacefully, you certainly deserve it.
“Uncle” Pete was a wonderfully kind and compassionate man. His legacy lives on and his memory will be a blessing. Rest in peace.
I’ve known Pete for very long time. I had 3 uncles in Bmt Fire Dep. back to when dogs were carried to fires on truck. He had photo memory and never forgot your family. He was a very fine man. RIP Mr. Shelton.