Charles Fredrick Shelato

Danville - Charles Fredrick Shelato, 81, of Danville passed away at home with his family by his side on January 22, 2019.

Charles was born on February 27, 1937 to the late Charles W. and Gladys (Haworth) Shelato in Perrysville, IN.

Charles married Sharon Heffern on August 1, 1959 and she preceded him in death on April 18, 1988. He was blessed again and married Consuelo Garza on June 26, 1989. Lovingly together till the end, and she survives.

Survivors include his wife, Consuelo, of Danville, IL; two sons, Ron (Patty) Shelato of Knoxville, TN and Charles (Shane) Shelato of Salisbury, NC; one son-in-law, Dennis (Sonna) Billings of Danville, IL; two daughters, Maria D. Carmen Garza of Danville, IL and Adriana (Femi) Alabi of Sterling, VA; one brother, John (April) Shelato of Cayuga, IN; three sisters, Virginia Knox of Perrysville, IN, Joyce Keller of Perrysville, IN and Nita Kay Conner of Kentucky. Thirteen grandchildren, Nancy Harkner, Stacy (Mike) Gauthier, Katie Shelato, Zach Frazier, Meghann Shelato, Robert (Alexis) Garza, Briana Garza, LaSarah Gaston, Josh (Nikki) Copas, Jessica (J.D.) Rummer, Brian (Hillary) Crider, Femi Alabi II and Ayoola Alabi, as well as twenty-five great-grandchildren. He was lovingly called 'Grandpa' by many children. Also present at passing include Ashley S., several friends and church members.

Charles was preceded in death by his daughter, Sonna Billings.

Charles served his country in the United States Navy as a part of the Flight Deck Crew aboard the USS Ranger CV-61 Aircraft carrier, from 1954 1959. He was a Quality Inspector at General Motors retiring in 1989 and a member of the Union

Local 579. Charles was a member of the Old-Fashioned United Baptist Church in Independence, IN. He came to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 68. His church and church family were very important to him. In his free time, Charles enjoyed his morning coffee with his buddies, gardening, wood crafting and watching the hummingbirds.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 2-4 PM and Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 28, 2019 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL. Pastor Henry Bell and Brother Joe Whitehead will officiate. Burial will be at Oakhill Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard.

Memorials in Charles' memory may be given to the Old-Fashioned United Baptist Church.

Please join Charles family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com