November 13, 1940 to December 14, 2020
Phillip King Shelburg of West Des Moines passed away on December 14, 2020, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines.
Phil was born on November 13, 1940, at home in Des Moines. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from North High School. In 1963 following his time in the service, he married Brenda Brown and had two children together. Phil began his career with the West Des Moines Police Department. In 1995 Phil retired as Sergeant.
On a whim, Phil accompanied a friend to the Community Playhouse, where his friend was trying out for a part in Dracula's production. Since he was there, Phil also tried out for a role. (A prior beer or two may have given him courage.) Phil left with a minor role, and his friend did not get cast. It was there he met his future wife, Linda, and they married eight months later.
Phil loved to have a good time with friends, raising and showing bulldogs, and watching TV in his later years. He also volunteered in retirement with West Des Moines Human Services and the Iowa Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Daniel, Betty, and Judith. Surviving is his wife, Linda; children from his first marriage Doris (Ron) Fulton and Erik (Jennifer) Shelburg; grandchildren, Sierra Perkins, Colt and Cassidy Shelburg, Rachel Fulton (Kent Follett), and Reid Fulton (Brooke Hunter).
Memorial visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, December 22, at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. Inurnment with military honors will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, December 23, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Iowa Gold Star Museum.
