10/28/2026
Sending love, hugs and prayers to the Shelton's (Calvin & Deborah), Jessica, family and friends. Sadly, we recently lost Calvin Jr., son, brother, father, uncle, nephew, homie, friend & WVSU alumnus, RIP Calvin 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 🐝🐝🐝
Calvin Edward Shelton Jr Obituary
Calvin Edward "Cal Ed," "Uncle Moo," "Dad," "Brother," and "Son" Shelton, Jr., 50, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on October 16, 2026. Born on January 18, 1976, in Charleston, West Virginia, Calvin spent several years in this area, which helped shape him into the man he was. He moved away for several years to Texas, then returned home to Charleston, WV, for the remainder of his life.
He graduated from South Charleston High School in 1994, where he was active in the marching band, debate club, and Natural Helpers, all experiences he loved and remembered with pride. He continued his education years later, earning an associate degree in marketing from WV State in December 2007, as well as a certificate in sales from WV Community and Technical College in December 2007.
Calvin will be remembered by those who knew him in many roles and by many names. He was the son of Calvin Shelton, Sr. and Deborah Shelton; the father of Emmit Vandevoort; the brother of Jessica (Sherry) Shelton; and a brother-in-law and uncle to Jacob (Morgan) Barganier-Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Armenthia Shelton, and Saabriella Shelton, all of whom knew him as "Uncle Moo." He was also a great-uncle to Lorelai Barganier-Raines and Willow Barganier-Shelton. His family circle also includes his aunt, Yolanda Guthrie; his uncle, LaRahn Guthrie; along with his first cousins Carol Shelton, Edith Hall, Frederick Shelton III, Jennaia Sims, LaRahn Davis, and Quentin Davis, as well as several great-uncles, great-aunts, and many more cousins. He is survived by his beloved cat, Raco.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frederick and Eleanor Shelton, Sr., and Lewis and Sylvia Guthrie; his uncle, Frederick Shelton II; and his cousins, Scott Hunter (Jennaia Sims) and Andrew Thompson. He was also preceded in death by his beloved cat, Ava.
Calvin’s life was marked by his love for family, his quick humor, and a personality that made lasting impressions. He was described as a great person, son, brother, cousin, father, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He had a strong sense of humor, was a smart aleck in the way those closest to him knew well, and he made friends very easily. Calvin especially loved being a dad to Emmit; they had a strong bond that grew into something very special. Calvin took his job as an uncle seriously to all of his nieces and his nephew. He took joy in being "Uncle Moo" and "Great Uncle Moo" to the younger members of the family. Much of Calvin’s time and heart were devoted to the people around him. He supported his child, nieces, and nephew in their extracurricular activities and enjoyed watching them do the things each loved to do. He would spend hours with them playing card games and video games, watching movies or shows, listening to their problems or silly dad jokes and stories, helping them learn to be better people, and mostly just showing them all a love that they will never forget. Some of the sweetest memories of Calvin are the simple and personal ones, like letting the little kids do his makeup and nails, joining in their fun, and giving them his full attention. He also loved his parents dearly and always wanted the best for them. He was one of his sister’s biggest supporters and protectors, and they loved each other dearly.
Calvin had a wide range of interests and brought real enthusiasm to the things he enjoyed. He loved role-playing games and devoted countless hours to building characters such as wizards, elves, thieves, or some type of fighter. He loved serving as “Dungeon Master,” creating storylines, characters, and entire in-game worlds that could take days or even weeks to complete. He also enjoyed playing similar games on his computer with his friends and his son. He loved to read, play video games, especially RPGs, and watch all kinds of movies. His favorite from childhood to adulthood will forever be Star Wars, along with shows like Cyberpunk. His taste in music was just as special and broad, and he would listen to just about anything.
Time with friends also mattered deeply to him, whether that meant hours spent gaming in person or online, going to movies, or having dinners together; they are all like family to each other. Family traditions and ordinary moments meant a great deal to Calvin. He loved the holidays and enjoyed spending them with his family and friends. Of all the holidays, Halloween was his favorite. He was also a born Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed watching games with his family, adding one more ways to gather, laugh, and spend time together.
The love surrounding Calvin’s memory has been made clear by the outpouring of support during this time of grief, a reflection of how much he meant to so many people all over this state, this country, and the world. His family welcomes stories and memories of Calvin from those who knew him.
When the family has his Celebration of Life set up, they will let everyone know. They would like few people share memories and stories during his celebration.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial support be given through the GoFundMe page established to help his parents with unexpected expenses.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Calvin, please visit our floral store.
