Shelman, Max R. Kearney, Mo.

Max R. Shelman

KEARNEY, Mo. – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Max Randall Shelman at the age of 81 on Jan. 8, 2026, from Kearney, Missouri, but formerly from Cameron, Missouri.

Max was born in Weatherby, Missouri, to Thomas (Tommy) and Bessie (Cooper) Shelman, and attended Taylor Mill Country School. He was a 1962 graduate of Cameron High School. Max served time in the United States Army. After retiring from the Cameron Correctional Center in 2014 he worked at the Cameron Country Mart until 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Bessie Shelman; two brothers, Floyd and Norman Shelman; and one sister, Eva (Shelman) Hill; and a granddaughter, Lauren Olivia Courtney.

Max is survived by his wife, Nancy, of 58 years; two daughters, Tammy (Shelman) Courtney, (Brad), Blue Springs, Missouri, Cynthia (Davis) Scott (Gary), Commerce Twp, Michigan; five grandchildren, Kristi (Scott) DeBello, (Don) Kenosha, Wisconsin, Kara (Scott) Smith (Josh), Ada, Michigan; Kami (Scott) Motz (Jeremy), West Bloomfield, Michigan; Jordan Courtney, Blue Springs, Missouri. He also has seven great-grandchildren who have brought great joy to his life.

There will be no formal services. Friends and family are welcome to reach out in the coming weeks. Cremation is under the direction of Poland-Thompson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or a cancer fund of your choice. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.