'Shamrock' Shelley Cleaver

As good a friend as I am to Shamrock Shelley Cleaver, if was difficult for me to start this article because quite frankly, this well-known local figure has an overwhelming amount of information to sift through. Let’s start at the beginning. Shelly was born on Christmas Eve, 1934, which makes him 90 years old.

His accomplishments include Board Member and Officer of the Cherokee County Historical Commission and The Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum, Rusk, TX.; Member Jacksonville, TX. Chamber of Commerce; Army Veteran of Korean War, Member of VFW Post 3984, Jacksonville, TX.; Sons of the Confederacy, Cross of Saint Andrew Camp, Alto, TX.; Colonel Kentucky Confederate Militia; retired Cherokee County Employee, Member of Craft, TX. Baptist Church, Author; Public Speaker; Historian; Public Relations for the Edsel Owners Club.

Sometimes called "Mr. Edsel," Shelley fell in love with the now defunct Edsel as soon as he experienced its Teletouch Drive, which allowed the driver to shift gears from the steering wheel with the touch of a button. Through the years he’s owned several, even customizing one to resemble a Ford Ranchero.
According to him, the nickname “Shamrock” came about after he visited the famous Shamrock Hilton Hotel in Houston and came back home exclaiming what a wonder it was.
It seems I run into this icon of Cherokee County everywhere whether, it’s a chamber event, historical happening, social gathering or the Jr. Livestock Show.
So the next time you see Shelley “Shamrock” Cleaver, shake his hand and wish him a big Happy Birthday!