Funeral service for SFC (Retired) Joe C. Shelby will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 3, 2017 in the Bethlehem Baptist Church with Dr. Willie Smith, pastor officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends from 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. Monday , January 2, 2017 at the funeral home.

SFC (Retired) Joe C. Shelby, age 76, of Lawton, departed us on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at home in Lawton.  Joe was born March 20, 1940 in Wilburton, Oklahoma.  He graduated from Eastern Oklahoma State College in 1960.  He married the love of his life, Elfriede Grosshart on July 12, 1966.  He served twenty years in the U.S. Army before retiring in 1981.  He immediately opened The Fan Store, Inc. and Fireplace Shop.  Joe was a Post commander of the American Legion, Post 29, a member of Lions Club International, Lawton Chamber of Commerce and Northside Chamber of Commerce.  He was appointed delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, Fourth District of Oklahoma in 1995.  In 1992 he was chosen Oklahoma Businessman of the Year and he was the first Black Businessman in the history of Oklahoma to be recognized for honor.  Joe felt that it was important for African Americans to be players in the economic development of their communities.  He also believed that it was important that opportunities be made available to Black Entrepreneurs.  Joe tried to accomplish so many things before he became ill.

Survivors include his wife, Elfriede Shelby, of the home, two daughters, Michele Shelby-Marrufo and her husband James and Gloria Galbreath and her husband Dell, all of Lawton, four grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. George P., Sr. and Rachel (Anderson) Shelby, his brothers, Charley Shelby and George Shelby, Jr.

Reception for family and friends is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Bethlehem Baptist Church.