Shelby Earl Fennel Obituary (1933 - 2011)

To view Shelby's Memorial Service, Click Here. To view Shelby's Tribute Video, Click Here. Shelby's Biography: Wellington, Texas. 100 miles to the west lay Amarillo and 8 miles to the east was the Oklahoma border. It was on the way to nowhere in particular. In 1933 it was one year away from the most devastating climatic change to hit the Great Plains states in our country's history. But that was still a far-off concern to the residents of Wellington, Texas, and particularly to Addie Fennel. On February 6th, 1933 she was busy giving birth to a healthy baby boy named Shelby Earl Fennel. He was named "Shelby" after his Uncle Shelby, and "Earl" after his Father. Over the next four years a brother and a sister, Walter and Norma Fay, would join him. The "Dust Bowl" was soon underway and so was the Great Depression. The family moved often to chase work and Wellington was not their home for long. While in Oklahoma the family grew with the addition of a new sister - Sandra Jean. By the time the Second World War broke out they were living in Gainesville, Texas, about 150 miles southeast of Wellington. It was here that Shelby began developing his athleticism and work ethic. He was "the man" in an unstable household in a trying time. The lessons learned and disappointments experienced were shaping Shelby into the man who would strive for something better in life. Continuing to chase the dream of a better life, the family moved to California at the end of WWII. Under the heavy hand of an overbearing stepfather, the family was often put to the fields to pick crops for income. His brother Walt would describe this time as the "Grapes of Wrath" years. His stepfather got the family a job of picking cotton one summer and after Shelby spent time getting pricked, bending over and stuffing sacks, Shelby had enough. In a defining moment of character, he told his stepfather he wasn't "picking anymore %[email protected]#% cotton" and he walked off. The seed of "better" was planted. The family was now in Woodlake, California, about an hour east of Fresno. Shelby was attending Woodlake High School and beginning to excel in sports. While playing sports, he caught the eye of a pretty young majorette named Diane and a romance was born. He distinguished himself playing Varsity Baseball and Football and attracted the attention of professional baseball scouts from the Dodgers and the Pittsburg Pirates. In 1952 he moved to Los Angeles to play in the Dodger organization with their farm team the "Hollywood Stars". Unfortunately, the US Army also wanted to draft him. In 1953 he was off to basic training at Camp Roberts. Following basic training he returned home long enough to marry his sweetheart Diane on July 5th, 1953. The young couple were just 20 and 19 years old respectively but no war would keep them apart. In Korea his active duty began in the 2nd Infantry Division. His performance stood out and he was reassigned to the 558th Military Police division in Seoul, Korea. He received 4 medals for distinguished service while in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1955. From the depression, through the cotton picking, into professional baseball and now onto combat in Korea, Shelby was being sculpted for even more challenges. Back home his focus returned to his new bride and starting a family and finishing his education. Within two years he had graduated from College of the Sequoias and had a baby boy named Brian. With his baseball career behind him he turned his sport's interest to a new thing called "golf". This would soon become a lifetime passion. He then moved the family to San Jose to complete his four-year degree at San Jose State College. Leveraging his MP experience in the Army, Shelby joined the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy. He finished his degree at San Jose State going to school in the day and being a Deputy Sheriff at night. After 5 years in law enforcement, Shelby was presented with yet another opportunity. This time he was asked to join a young start-up company with a funny name; XEROX. While he excelled with XEROX, Diane was completing her degree in Education. In 1965, another opportunity popped up and Shelby was drawn to it immediately. The new State of Hawaii was "drafting" teachers from California for their growing school system and Shelby said, "Sign me up." So, it was off to Hawaii. His passion for golf never waned and he introduced the game to Diane and his 9-year-old son during their first Christmas in Hawaii. Although Brian was hoping for a slot car set that Christmas instead of golf clubs, Shelby told him, "You'll be playing golf a lot longer than you'll be playing with slot-cars". Truer words were never spoken. Following two years of teaching school, Shelby returned to a sales position with XEROX in the Honolulu office. After 2 more years, he relocated the family back to Merced, California with XEROX with fond memories of his four years on Oahu, Hawaii. After 2 years in Merced it was time to move up to the Sacramento area to a small community called El Dorado Hills. While with XEROX, Shelby received numerous sales awards and practically furnished the house with sales contest prizes. He was that good! El Dorado Hills would be his home for the next 31 years. It would also be a place of great challenges, opportunities and growth. The first major challenge came in 1972 when he was diagnosed with cancer on the vocal cords. His 22 years of smoking caught up with him. He quit smoking literally over night and signed up for a new treatment technology called "radiation therapy". He was a fighter from his early days and he was not giving an inch to cancer this time around. He beat it and got his voice back. This also prompted a significant career change, and one that he would stay with until his retirement. He joined Blue Cross to begin a successful and lucrative career with health insurance. With his job being secure and having a place to call "home" for the long haul, Shelby was able to pursue the pleasures of life, like friendships, hobbies, and clubs. Throughout the 70's and 80's Shelby continued his pursuit of golf as a member at Cameron Park Country Club. He won numerous events and enjoyed having his son as a partner in several Invitational Tournaments. Shelby was Men's Club Champion at three different clubs and collected every type of trophy imaginable along the way. Shelby and Diane also relished the friendships they made with their "Gourmet Group". This was a special ensemble of friends who loved cooking but loved eating even more! These friends grew closer over the years, weathered many touching moments, survived sidesplitting antics and continue to this day with everyone on permanent "lifetime membership" status. During this time, Shelby also became a grandparent - twice - with two grandsons; Nick and Nathan. His grandsons were a constant source of joy and busy-ness. From fishing pond expeditions, shooting cans with BB-guns, and introducing them to golf, he took time to let them know they were loved. He paid for piano lessons for them and even bought them a piano. Nick is the golfer and Nathan is the outstanding musician - thank you Granddad! The 90's brought on another daunting event in Shelby's life. This time he was facing prostate cancer. His fighting spirit was in full force once more and he went for radiation therapy again; and again with success. But it wasn't without after effects that made life a little uncomfortable for a while. However, he pushed through it all and came out on top as the victor over cancer. Score: Shelby 2, Cancer Zero. Shelby was full of surprises, and little did his friends and family know, but deep inside Shelby was a frustrated Auctioneer! He auctioneered family Chili Parties, golf tournament fund-raisers, church auctions, you name it, and he was in demand. He really enjoyed it, too. Many people's fondest recollections of Shelby are from his auctioning theatrics. As Shelby eased into retirement in the early 2000's golf remained a passion as always. His golfing network of friends and pros was vast. Everybody knew Shelby in the golf world. Shelby pursued a position as a "Golf Course Rater" with the NCGA and through his connections and reputation he got a shot at a position and his thorough understanding of golf got him the job. This was a true source of joy for him and he was well liked by his peers. Always up for an adventure, Shelby decided it was time to move again. So, he sold his homes in Lincoln Hills, California and moved to Marana, Arizona. Marana was chosen after assessing several other cities in other states, and he liked it. He also had a long time golfing buddy from Sacramento nearby (Bruce) for a golfing playmate. He had only been in Marana 5 months when he was hit with his greatest challenge ever. In 2006 a temporary blockage in an artery going to the brain caused a stroke. At first he was totally immobile, but gradually movement returned. That was just the beginning of Shelby's recovery process and the next months would be an inspiration to his family and friends. With Diane faithfully supporting him at every step, Shelby worked persistently on regaining his arm and leg strength. Ultimately, he was able to resume caring for himself and even drive his car to as far away as Palm Springs. While he wasn't able to play golf anymore he still enjoyed watching the game and listening to friends share their golf stories with him. He was also an avid pocket-watch collector and amassed quite a collection. He shared his interest with his wife, son and grandsons and generously gave them keepsake watches. This is how Shelby approached his passions. He wanted everyone to have the same joy and thrills he experienced. Maybe this was the "salesman" inside him, showing others a better way, a fun way, an enjoyable way. Maybe this was from his childhood when having the time to chase a dream wasn't possible. But maybe it came from knowing the complete satisfaction you feel when you get to do something you love. Shelby Earl Fennel came from an obscure beginning from a town we may never drive through. His young life was not a "story book" upbringing. However, his life has intersected with a lot of other people and his will and spirit have helped make dreams come true for himself and others later in his life. If you knew Shelby along the path of your life, then you have your own memories of how Shelby touched you on your walk - the story telling, the mentoring, the joking, and the encouragement. There is never a good time for someone like Shelby to leave us. We will miss him so much and his influence on us all will be a lasting fingerprint of his unique qualities. Shelby taught us that it's not how you begin your life; it's how you end it that counts. Shelby, as a husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, we want you to know that you finished strong! You will be with us always! Brian Fennel Loving Son April 2, 2011