Shelton Becnel, Sr.

 Shelton Becnel, Sr.

1957 - 2024

Shelton Becnel, Sr. was born on February 13, 1957. He was the ninth of eleven children born to the late Mariah Clark-Becnel and Royal Becnel, Jr.   He was raised in a Christian home and reared to know the Lord. Educated in St. Charles Parish, he graduated from Hahnville High in 1976. 

His thirst for knowledge led him to attend the Los Angeles Trade & Technical College and Southwest Community College in California. There, he became a Master Certified Automotive Mechanic. While living in Los Angeles, he met the late Paulette Norwood.  They were united in holy matrimony in 1980. To this union, two children were born: Shelton, Jr. and Miskamishia.  He was also like a father to Paulette’s two other children, Larry Courtney and Nicole Wiley.  

In 1984, Shelton relocated to Louisiana. Not long after returning home, Shelton met Delores Morris along with her two children, Chad and Tiffany Morris. They were united in holy matrimony in 1986. This union was a beautiful representation of a blended family as all the children were taught  core family values and were loved deeply. 

Shelton was a Service Manager at Robert Levitz Chevrolet for over 20 years. He received numerous awards for his outstanding work ethic and willingness to teach others. This thirst for teaching led him to Delgado Community College and the Walker Institute of New Orleans. At both places, he was able to fulfill this desire to help others grow and impact their lives by serving as an automotive mechanics instructor.

He was deeply inspired by the knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship he received from his father and, later, older brother, Papa, at Beck’s Automotive, commonly known to the family as “The Junkyard.” This inspiration caused him to yearn to one day own his auto mechanic repair business. He even shared his intentions with his employer, Robert Levitz. Knowing that he was a huge asset to the company, they offered him an incentive to stay that the average man wouldn’t refuse. But all who knew him, know there is nothing average about Shelton! 

In 2007, he retired from Robert Levitz Chevrolet and became the proud owner of Becnel’s Automotive Repair in Algiers. There, Shelton was committed to the community.  He was a dedicated public servant, who poured into Algiers whenever and however possible.  He regularly sponsored school events, church fundraisers, and other community activities. He loved his customers and the people of Algiers. Affectionately known as “Mr. Becnel” the Algiers community loved him right back.

As appreciation to his customers, he hosted an annual NOMTOC parade celebration. He provided free food, drinks, and music for the families as they celebrated this beloved Mardi Gras tradition on the lot of Becnel’s Automotive Repair. For the last 17 years, he took great pride in offering excellent customer service, assisting his community through outreach, and providing economic and job stability. 

Shelton loved his family. Kamishia, his Daddy’s Girl, was undoubtedly the “apple of his eye” as he couldn’t resist an opportunity to spoil her. Whatever his beloved Kamishia and Destinee needed, Shelton would make sure they had it! He was exceedingly proud of his son and namesake, Shelton Jr. He relied on and deeply appreciated the wisdom and advice of his son. He proudly referred to Shelton, Jr. as” His Businessman’’.

He also loved supporting his grandchildren.  He found much joy spending time with Destinee taking her on their shopping trips together. Paw-Paw had his list, and she has hers. From cheering Cody on at one of his football games to attending Grandparents Day with Kacey, Shelton was there for his grandkids. He would shamelessly brag about having one granddaughter who would be a lawyer from LSU Law School, Monesha, and another granddaughter who would be a doctor from the University of North Texas, HSC, Trinity. 

He loved his sisters and brothers dearly. None more than his brother Greg. Less than two years apart, they were inseparable as children and continued to talk daily on the way to work. He often expressed how blessed he and his siblings were to be gifted with parents who taught them the importance of keeping God first, getting a good education, working hard, getting along with each other, and remaining a close family. 

Shelton loved to watch all kinds of sports, especially the New Orleans Saints. If he wasn’t watching sports, you would definitely find him watching old cowboy movies and westerns like Gunsmoke. When the feeling hit him, he would ride to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to enjoy eating at the buffet and get away for a night. 

Shelton also loved to cook. You would find him heading to the Westwego Piggly Wiggly to buy his seasoning meat and pickled tips to spice up his mustard greens and Blue Runners. More than anything though, he relished his opportunities to cook fresh vegetables directly from his big brother Antoine’s garden.

Shelton’s favorite Bible verse was 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” In his final days, he frequently recounted this scripture as he boldly reaffirmed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. 

He leaves to mourn his son, Shelton, Jr. (Oscille), daughter Miskamishia Marie; bonus kids Nicole, Larry (Jenna), and Tiffany (James, Jr.), daughter-in-law Latonda; grandchildren Trinity, Monesha, Nekya, Nekia, Kacy, Corey, II,  Destinee, Chad, Jr., Jeremiah, Keyanta,  Cody,  Semaj, James, III,  Khayla, Adarreus, Javeonna, Oreon, Ebony, Parris, Jasmine, Jordan, and Angel.;  godchildren Royal Becnel (Erneka) and Arianne; siblings,  Velonia (Dan Jr), Antoine Sr., Diane, Patricia Anne, Elaine Helen (Charles), Gregory  Sr. (Giselle), Sherry Michelle (Charles); sister-in-law Lavern Keys Becnel, his staff, and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

Shelton is preceded in death by his parents Royal, Jr. and Mariah Clark- Becnel; three siblings, Godfrey Becnel, Barbara Becnel Woods and Royal Becnel, III; 1 bonus son—Chad, Sr.; and his favorite uncle, William Becknel, Sr. 

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to a Celebration of Life Service at 10:00am on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at St. Stephens Baptist Church, 1738 L. B. Landry Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70114. Interment Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 10867 River Rd, Ama, LA 70031. Visitation 9:00am until time of service at the above-named Church. Final Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919. “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”