Richard Shelton was Blake Shelton, the country music celebrity, father. He led a humble and industrious life in Oklahoma. Even though he was not a celebrity, he played a significant role in Blake’s life.
Quick Facts About Richard Shelton
| Full Name | Richard Lee “Dick” Shelton |
| Birthdate | September 7, 1940 |
| Occupation | Used Car Salesman, Business Owner (J.R.’s Cars) |
| Husband/Wife | 1. Dorothy Shelton (Divorced) 2. Terrie Ann Horton Delozier (1997–2012) |
| Education | Attended school in Duncan and Lawton, Oklahoma |
| Died
Age |
17 January 2012
71 (at the time of death) |
| Parents | D.T. Shelton (father), Ruby Mead Shelton (mother) |
| Siblings | Linda Perry (sister), Ronald Hardacre (brother, died) |
| Children | Richie Shelton (stepson, died), Endy Shelton (Daughter), Blake Shelton (Son) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life
Richard Lee “Dick” Shelton was born on September 7, 1940, in Lawton, Oklahoma. His mother and father were D.T. Shelton and Ruby Mead Shelton. He grew up and studied in Duncan and Lawton.
Army Service
Richard was in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was on the Honor Guard, a special unit which does military funerals and ceremonies. He was proud of his time in the service and brought those same values into his everyday life.
Career in Cars
Richard spent many years working as a car salesman. He sold cars at the following locations:
- Marion Fenton
- Service Chevrolet
- Don Hayes Cadillac
- Chaprell Dodge
- Kubota Tractors
Later, he started his own car shop named J.R.’s Cars. He toiled and at last retired in 2010.
He also enjoyed cars and was a Hi-Lifters Car Club member in Duncan, Oklahoma.
Family Life
Richard married Dorothy Shelton, the owner of a beauty parlor. They had three children together:
- Richie Shelton, Dorothy’s son from a previous marriage. Richard treated Richie as his own.
- Endy Shelton, their daughter, who became a jewelry designer.
- Blake Shelton, born in 1976, who rose to be a country music legend.
Richard and Dorothy divorced later. Richard married Terrie Ann Horton Delozier in 1997. They remained married until his death.
With Terrie, Richard became a stepfather once again. He assisted in bringing up her children: Phileshia Anderson and Terrell Delozier.
A Father’s Love
Richard was a loving and gentle dad. When Richie was killed in a car accident in 1990, Richard supported his family through the grief. Blake was only 14 at the time. It was tough, but Richard provided Blake with strength.
Blake afterward claimed his dad explained to him:
“You don’t ever get over it. You just get used to it.”
That suggestion stuck with Blake for the rest of his life.
Role Model for Blake
Richard’s love and strength shaped Blake into the man he is today. Blake has said that he learned how to be a good stepfather by watching his dad. Today, Blake helps raise Gwen Stefani’s three sons — Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo. He takes this role seriously, just like his father did.
Last Years and Death
Richard suffered from health issues later on. In December 2011, he was hospitalized due to pneumonia. He died on January 17, 2012, in a Shawnee, Oklahoma hospital. He was 71 years old.
His death was a tearful moment for the entire family. Blake canceled performances to spend time with him. Subsequently, Blake dedicated songs and awards to his father’s memory.
READ ALSO: Blake Shelton Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Remembering Richard
Richard Shelton was a man who worked hard, was kind, and loved. Though he did not have to be in the limelight, his love and teachings remain with Blake.
Blake still tells stories about his dad today in respect and love. The manner in which Blake takes care of his own family now depicts just how much Richard had taught him.
