Rudolph Shelby, son of Emmet and Helen Shelby, spent his childhood in the Rosedale area of Kansas City, Kansas, a time and place he deeply loved. 

He joined the US Army and became a proud paratrooper in the famed 82nd Airborne, an elite, active duty airborne infantry division.

A diligent worker and respected manager, his career included positions at the Pruitts Coat Factory, General Motors before positions as a meatcutter and meat department manager for Safeway, Food Barn, and Cosintenos’ Apple Markets. 

His life was filled with a loving family; he leaves his wife of 36 years, Marlene Meeks Shelby; his son, Rudolph Shelby Jr.; his daughters, Yolanda Shelby and Lisa Shelby McDonald; Marlene’s son, Jd Michaels;  his grandsons, Byron Smith, Jr., Rudolph Shelby III, and Donald Smith, Jr.; his great grandsons, Trevion Shelby and Carnell Shelby;  and his great granddaughters DaLeiah Smith and D'Ava Smith.

He also leaves his brother, Oscar Shelby; his sisters, Lida Carter and Beverly Johnson, his nephew/brother, James Shelby, and many many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents Emmet and Helen Shelby, his brothers Orville, Orvett, Paul, Cecil, Quentin, and Don Shelby; and his beloved sisters Mildred Andrews, Albertine Cann, and Carrie Roby.