|
| |
Shelton Morris Bennefield, a longtime resident of Hollis, Oklahoma, passed away on March 2, 2026, in Nacogdoches, Texas, at the age of eighty-two.
Shelton Morris Bennefield was born on April 12, 1943, in San Augustine, to Lennie Joseph Bennefield and Verna Mae (Alms) Bennefield. He attended high school in San Augustine, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed the strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.
After graduation, Shelton began his career as a truck driver during a time when CDLs were not yet required. He learned the trade the old-fashioned way through determination, grit, and countless miles on the open road. A proud long-haul driver, Shelton built his life behind the wheel and carried himself with strength, independence, and resilience.
On December 31, 1960, he married the love of his life, Frances Inez Wood, in San Augustine. Introduced through friends, their love story grew into a lifetime partnership built on laughter and hard work. Together, they were blessed with two children, Angela and Morris.
When his son Morris chose to follow in his footsteps as a truck driver, Shelton refused to let him travel the highways alone. Though he was grandfathered in and did not need a CDL himself, Shelton attended CDL school alongside his son. The two became a true team, driving together, sharing coffee, fishing side by side, and living life in step with one another. Their bond was unbreakable.
Beyond trucking, Shelton built manufactured homes and embraced the cowboy way of life. He rode bulls and competed in team roping with Morris, proudly entering rodeos together. Whether in the arena, on the job site, or on the road, Shelton gave everything he had.
He was an avid hunter, whether with a rifle or bow, and he found great joy in the outdoors. He and his son spent countless hours hunting and fishing together. Shelton loved fried catfish and could often be found near a coffee pot, visiting with anyone who happened to pass by. When Morris owned a bait shop, Shelton was right there catching minnows to help keep it running. He was always ready to lend a hand.
Shelton never met a stranger. He was known for his quick wit, unforgettable jokes, and his familiar "Huh?" or "What?" that often followed a conversation. His laughter was distinctive and contagious. He was spirited and outspoken, never shy about offering his two cents, but everything he did came from a place of love. Family was his pride and greatest joy.
When his son became disabled, Shelton laid everything else aside without hesitation. He became not only his caregiver, but also his constant companion, greatest supporter, and trusted confidant. Their bond, already strong, deepened even more during those years. Shelton's love was not merely spoken, it was shown daily through sacrifice, patience, and unwavering devotion.
After discovering Facebook, Shelton became known for his morning words of encouragement, messages he and Morris shared to uplift others. Those heartfelt posts reflected the strength, faith, and optimism they carried together. He never missed an opportunity to encourage someone, share a laugh, or remind others to keep pushing forward.
Even in his final moments, Shelton's heart remained centered on his family. With his last breath, he was still fighting to stay, wanting to be here to care for his grandchildren. That was the measure of the man he was, selfless, devoted, and fiercely loving.
He is survived by his grandchildren, Travis Bennefield, Mindy and Husband Dustin, Kayla Bennefield, Kadie'Jo and partner Enrique, Savannah and Husband Josh, Brandi Melton, Kenna Grice, John Glasser; ten great-grandchildren, Ryder, Creed, Brantley, Caden, Oliver, Alyson, Alana, Aric, Emmitt, Josiah; and his brother, James Vernon Bennefield.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Frances Inez Wood Bennefield; his son, Morris Bennefield; his daughter, Angela Brown; and his sister, Joyce Faye Quinn.
Shelton loved his family with passion and his whole heart. His love was steady, strong, and unconditional, a legacy that will live on in his, grandchild, and great grandchild who carries his spirit forward. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, miles traveled, stories shared, and laughter that will echo in the hearts of those who loved him forever.
Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026 at Harmon County Funeral Home, Hollis, Oklahoma.
This site may be freely linked, but not duplicated in any way without consent.
All rights reserved! Commercial use of material within this site is prohibited!
© 2000-2026 Oklahoma CemeteriesThe information on this site is provided free for the purpose of researching your genealogy. This material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, for your own research, as long as this message remains on all copied material. The information contained in this site may not be copied to any other site without written "snail-mail" permission. If you wish to have a copy of a donor's material, you must have their permission. All information found on these pages is under copyright of Oklahoma Cemeteries. This is to protect any and all information donated. The original submitter or source of the information will retain their copyright. Unless otherwise stated, any donated material is given to Oklahoma Cemeteries to make it available online. This material will always be available at no cost, it will always remain free to the researcher.