Shelton Ray Daniel, 80, of Welsh, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at his residence in Welsh. Shelton was born Nov. 28, 1941 on a farm north of Roanoke, La. He attended Roanoke High School and graduated from Acadia Baptist Academy in Eunice, La. Shelton joined the Daniel family business, Frank’s Engine Service in Roanoke, eventually supervising municipal water and agricultural irrigation work. Shelton joined PPG briefly before leaving to start his own Daniel Well Service business. Shelton also previously served on the board of directors of the Louisiana Water Well Association.
In Shelton’s younger years, he enjoyed many adventures growing up on the farm, fishing, boating, & spending time at his Little Chenier camp.
Shelton put his years of training as a machinist to work building his own projects such as his own shop from salvaged drill pipe, a motorized hacksaw, a powered fish scaler from an old dryer, an air compressor from a car A/C as well as multiple self-built drilling rig projects. Shelton later applied for a patent on a design for a column-less water well system.
In later years, Shelton enjoyed spending time managing projects on his farm in Welsh, relaxing at his camp at Lake Arthur and continuing to be active and creative in spite of what most might think of significant physical limitations. Shelton was truly an inspiration to others in this regard.
Shelton is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Brenda Walker Daniel; three sons, Wayne Daniel (Ginger) of Dallas, Texas, Paul Daniel (Melissa) of Welsh, La., and Joe Daniel of Haughton, La.; as well as four grandchildren, Ryan Daniel of Dallas, Texas, Austin Daniel (TK) of Denton, Texas, Shellie Compton (Roby) of Roanoke, La., Beau Daniel (Tayler) of LeBleu Settlement, La.; two great-grandchildren, Marshall and Blake Compton of Roanoke, La.; brother, Kenneth Daniel of Welsh, La.; brother-in-law, Mike Walker (Dion) of Jennings, La.; sister-in-law, Donna Daniel of Roanoke, La.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Shelton was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mildred and Frank Daniel of Welsh, La.; twin brother, Shelby Daniel (Donna) of Roanoke, La.; his wife Brenda’s parents, Lurlene and Teal Walker of Welsh, La.; sister-in-law, Carolyn Daniel (Kenneth) of Welsh, La.; and daughter-in-law, Mary Daniel (Joe) of Haughton, La.
In accordance with Shelton’s wishes, a Catholic Mass will be held at Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Welsh at 10 a.m. Saturday March 12 followed by interment at the Porta Coeli (Gateway to Heaven) Garden Mausoleum. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until time of service.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared at www.hixsonwelsh.com