John Riley Shackelford

John Riley Shackelford, born July 27, 1931 and died June 4, 2018 John Shackelford is survived by his three children Janet (Maurizio), Peter (Irene), and Julie (Peter), four grandchildren, Peter, Maria (Spencer), Scott and Brian, and three great grand-children Spencer, Lucas and Leo, a niece Bridgette (Milton) and nephew Blaine. John survived his brother Teddy. John held a master's degree in bio chemistry and had a successful professional career as a food researcher. He holds several patents. He gave symposiums and added to the knowledge base of food science world-wide. He was best known for his research in yeast. John was honorably discharged from the army where he served at Ft Bliss and Germany. John never ended his search for knowledge and was always reading about everything from cell structure to black holes. After living in Chicago Illinois the majority of his life, John and his pre-deceased wife Dorothy, retired to Las Cruces, New Mexico. He loved the dessert and was an avid hiker. John also enjoyed his Model A Ford, gardening, target shooting and dancing. John was quite the dancer and with his beloved friend and companion Virtie they won many dance competitions. John will be missed for his wonderful smile, humor, love of music - especially the old tunes and cowboy songs, and his fiery political discussions. We loved him dearly and will miss him greatly. Per John's wishes, there are no memorial services.