Virgil (Dean) Shackelford

Virgil 'Dean' Shackelford

June 21, 1933 - July 16, 2015

TRENTON, Neb. -- Virgil "Dean" Shackelford died peacefully at his home in Trenton surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 16, 2015. He was 82 years old.

Dean was born on June 21, 1933, at Imperial, Nebraska to parents, Virgil Ruby and Ruth Hazel (Cooper) Shackelford. He graduated from Curtis High School in 1951.

Dean married the love of his life, Wyona Violet Matson in Trenton on July 8, 1953. He entered the U.S. Army on August 5, 1953, and served his country during the Korean War. He was a medic while serving in Germany. Wyona joined him in Germany until he was honorably discharged on May 14, 1955. Dean and Wyona came home to the Trenton area to reside. Dean was a farmer, owner and operator of Shackelford Feedlots, and truck driver until his retirement.

Dean spent countless hours helping others. He has been a life-time member of the Trenton United Methodist Church where he served in numerous administrative positions. Dean was currently Administrative Council Chairman and on the Pastor Parish Relations Committee. Other memberships included the Trenton American Legion and VFW where he served as an Adjutant, National Rifle Association, and Trucking Association. He served on numerous boards such as County Election Board, Trenton Town Board of which he served as Mayor, and Trenton School Board serving as President. God and family were the utmost importance to Dean. He enjoyed spending time with family and had a special way of making each one of them feel loved.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Virgil and Ruth Shackelford; son-in-law, Spencer Sydow; great-grandson, Jared Chitwood; and sisters, Shirley Stecker and Patricia and husband, Burdette Melchert.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Wyona Shackelford of Trenton; son, Jerry Shackelford of Trenton; daughters, Barbara Sydow of Stratton, Cindy and husband, Dave Engel, of Silver Creek, Diane Riggs and friend, Mark Warta, of Trenton and Nancy and husband, John Thomas, of Aurora; brother, Duane Shackelford and wife, Grace, of Lincoln; brother-in-law, Hank Stecker of Yukon, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brian (Melissa) Sydow and their children Andrew and Austin; Jennifer (Brad) Fries and their baby to arrive in October; Kody (Alyssa) Sydow and daughter Avery; Laurie (Austin) Poppert and their children Clayton, Kyle and Paisley; Tyrel (Lacy) Riggs and sons Jayce, Dylan, and Tristan; Orrin (Terra) Riggs; Nathaniel Chitwood; Michael (Mackenzie) Chitwood; and John (Aleta) Thomas; Dave and Cindy Engel's puppy Macy; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Trenton United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be today, July 20, 2015, until 8 p.m. at Herrmann Jones Funeral Home in Trenton.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 21, 2015, 10:30 a.m. at the Trenton United Methodist Church with Rev. Alisa Parde and Rev. John Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Trenton Cemetery with Military Honors.

Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of Trenton is in charge of the arrangements.