Joseph Lorentz Shelton

Joseph Lorentz Shelton, 86, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on March 4, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Clay County, West Virginia, Joe joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from high school and served proudly with the 101st Airborne. He began his career as a Police Officer for the City of Charleston before joining the Kanawha County Circuit Clerk’s Office. In 1976, he was elected in the first group of magistrates to serve in Kanawha County. He later served the State of West Virginia as Deputy Commissioner at the WV Department of Highways and with the WV Treasurer’s Office. For the last 22 years of his career, Joe returned to the bench as a Kanawha County Magistrate, serving as Chief Magistrate several times.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John and Blanche (Neal) Shelton; his sisters, Norma King and Betty Holcomb; and his brother, Charles “Sonny” Shelton. He is survived by his wife, Ceean Wade of Charleston; his children, Joseph L. Shelton II (Kelly) of Wellsburg, West Virginia, Julie Craigo (Arnie) of Nitro, West Virginia, and Jon Shelton (Reyna) of Temecula, California; four stepchildren whom he loved as his own, Jason Wade (Jen) of Charleston, Christine Holstein (Eric) of Charleston, Tara Jordan (Travis) of Culloden, West Virginia, and Mike Anderson (Amanda) of Charleston; 18 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his beloved cats, Bubba and Bruno.

A devoted fan of WVU football, basketball, and baseball, Joe also enjoyed hunting, boating, golfing, and bowling. He was a respected bowler in his time, achieving two perfect 300 games. He will be remembered for his long commitment to public service and the quiet strength and warmth he brought to his family and community.