Ernie F. Shelby was born January 24, 1908 in Comanche, Oklahoma, he passed from this life Thursday, March 22, 2001, at the Hillcrest Medical Center at the age of 93.

Ernie married Minta Bea Nixon December 11, 1929, in Comanche. He was an oil field worker, pecan grower and farmer. He was a long-time member of the Comanche Church of Christ.

Ernie is survived by: his wife, who resides in Meridian Nursing Home; two sons -- Bill and his wife Betty of Duncan, Oklahoma, and Jim and his wife Kathy, also of Duncan; three daughters -- JoAnn Goodwin of Duncan, Wanda Qualls and her husband Jerry of Ryan, Oklahoma, and Joyce Benson and her husband Jerry of Comanche, Oklahoma; three sisters -- Juanita Jelly of Newberg, Oregon, Opal Tidwell of Portland, Oregon, and Alberta Nixon of Comanche, Oklahoma; nineteen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, one child - Gary, one brother - Noal Shelby, and three sisters - Mamie Shortes, Tempie Funkhouser, and Georgia Elms

Graveside services under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home of Comanche were held Saturday, March 24, 2001, at 2:00 PM at Fairlawn Cemetery in Comanche with Scott Hoover officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.