Shelton G. Cambre

Shelton Cambre, 92 of Gautier, MS passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Born on July 31, 1932, in Paulina, St. James Parrish, Louisiana, Shelton’s early years were marked by a passion for adventure as he and his two brothers and sister grew up on the Mississippi River. The only separation between their house and the river was the River Road, and the levee, where annual bonfires at Christmas lit the way for Papa Noel. A descendant of a long line of French and German immigrants, the tight knit Catholic family embraced the local culture - a rich outdoor life that was balanced with a strong work ethic, and good food that was caught, grown, trapped or shot. Following graduation from Lutcher High School, and a job with an engineering firm in Baton Rouge, Shelton decided to enlist in the Army and became a paratrooper at Fort Benning, GA.

It was there, in 1951, that Shelton met Mary Alice Smith Cambre, his wife of 71 years. They became a team after marrying at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulina, LA and began a joyful life which eventually was filled with their five children. After working at Shell Oil Company and trying a few business ventures in Lutcher, LA, Shelton acted on an opportunity to move to Pascagoula, MS where he built a home and he and his brother-in-law opened a Western Auto hardware store. At one point, they had three Western Autos and two Spur Gas Stations. Mary, their children, and other family members worked together. While juggling various side businesses and maintaining his entrepreneurial spirit, Shelton opened Waste Oil Collectors, which eventually was run by his three sons and is still in existence.

Shelton’s unwavering confidence, problem-solving skills, and dedication to family and work are among his legacies. He loved boating, fishing, and was always eager to share boat rides and trips to Horn Island with friends and family. Shelton loved telling a good story and joke and was a very good listener, which made him an endeared friend to many. There was always someone coming through the store or station that needed assistance, and he was willing to do whatever he could to help. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pascagoula where he made sure their five children attended Catechism and Mass each Sunday. After retirement and building his dream waterfront home in Gautier, he attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He also had been a member of the Lions Club, several civic organizations, was a licensed boat captain, and enjoyed woodworking as a hobby.

At 92, Shelton leaves behind a rich legacy as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, provider, teacher, husband, uncle, friend, and Christian.

Preceding Shelton in death was his beloved first born son, John Stephen Cambre, who died in 2022; his parents, Live George Cambre and Pauline Brignac Cambre; and his brother, Joseph Felix Cambre.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Mary Alice; sister, Lorraine Robichaux; brother, Milton (Kathleen) Cambre; daughters, Cynthia Claire Muirhead (Wayne) and Leslie Ann Elliott (John); sons, Daniel James Cambre (Andrea Pater) and Andrew George Cambre (Kerri Rigsby). Shelton cherished his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who affectionately and lovingly called him Papaw - Drew Wesley Muirhead (Brittany Yates), Ross Cambre Muirhead (Hannah Steuber), Dr. John William Elliott (Meredith Lee), and Claire Cambre Grothe (Gabe), his great grandchildren,

Lucus Muirhead, Landon Muirhead, Lawson Muirhead, Lila Muirhead, Cambre Muirhead, Tate Muirhead, Ben Elliott, Miller Elliott, Olive Grothe, Rayne Grothe and Rivers Grothe. He also loved and enjoyed the company of many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

The family would like to thank the loving and compassionate Watson Caregivers - Ashley, Latrese, Marina, Mary, and Nadene.

Pallbearers will be his sons, sons-in-law, grandsons and grandson-in-law. Honorary pallbearers are Gregg Cox, David Hester, Larry McGregor, and Leon Quave.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Cambre Scholarship Fund, MGCCC Foundation – Scholarships, P.O. Box 99, Perkinston, MS 39573 Or Coastal Conservation Association of Mississippi, P.O. Box 3916, Bay St. Louis, MS. 39520.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 2, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Gautier, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Shelton Cambre.