Ben L. Shackelton, 71, of Walton, passed away suddenly on Friday afternoon, August 7, 2009 at Delaware Valley Hospital after being stricken at home.

Ben was born on March 7, 1938 in Trout Creek, the son of the late Glenn S. Sr and Emma Wilcox Shackelton.

He graduated from Walton High School and proudly served his country in the US Army from 1958-1962. Following his military service he returned to Walton and was employed as a supervisor with Breakstone's for 19 years. He then worked as a supervisor for Amphenol in Sidney for 12 years, and later was employed for Parts Plus as an Sales Representative until his retirement.

Mr. Shackelton married the former Colleen B. Powell in Indian Lake in 1992.

Ben was a member of Riverside Alliance Church, Walton and the Walton American Legion, where he was proud to be a member of the Honor Guard, performing military funeral honors for several Delaware County Veterans. Ben was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and all that nature had to offer. He was also a gifted and well known area musician. Ben played the Bass and enjoyed singing country music and calling square dances. He was also an auctioneer.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen B. Shackelton of Walton; his children, Valerie (John) Holley of Walton, Geoffrey (Yvonne) Shackelton of Ravena and Daniel (Brandi) Shackelton of Walton; step-children, Steven (Bobbie) Roe of Destin, FL, Allison (Jason) Worden of Laurens and Kevin (Nicole) Roe of Mt. Vision; twelve grandchildren, Amanda, Heather, Cameron, Ian, Corbyn, J, Sandra, Samuel, Samantha, Megan, Kaitlyn and Shelby; a brother, Glenn (Marion) Shackelton, Jr. of Walton; two sisters, Mareah (Richard) Allen of Walton and Carolyn (Douglas) Brown of Truth or Consequences, NM; special friends, Bob Ganz and Harold Pomeroy; and several nieces, nephews & cousins.

Friends and family may call on Monday, August 10, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday morning, August 11, 2009 at Riverside Alliance Church, 110 Stockton Ave., Walton with the Rev. Stephen Blews, officiating. Graveside services with Full Military Honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 14, 2009 at the Walton Cemetery

Contributions in Bens' memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.