The Rev. Joseph L. Sheldon, Jr., retired priest of the Diocese of Texas, died March 14 in San Angelo, TX. He was 73.

Fr. Sheldon was a native of Galveston, TX. He was a graduate of Baylor University and the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. He was ordained deacon in 1959 and priest in 1960. Fr. Sheldon spent nearly his entire ministry in Texas. He served as deacon-in-charge then rector of St. Helena's, Boerne, 1959-63; vicar of St. Michael and All Angels, Blanco, 1960-63; rector of St. Stephen's, Goliad, and priest-in-charge of St. Matthew's, Kenedy, 1963-66; rector of St. George's, Bossier City, LA, 1967-70; rector of Christ Church, Laredo, 1970-82; priest-in-charge of St. Paul's, Woodville, 1982-86 and vicar of St. Luke's, Livingston, 1982-88; priest-in-charge of St. Mark's, Cleveland, 1986-88; vicar of St. Martin's, Copperas Cove, St. George's, Gatesville, 1988-91 and vicar of St. Thomas', Rockdale, and All Saints', Cameron, 1991-93. At the time of his death, he was serving as assistant at Good Shepherd, San Angelo. His wife, Mildred, survives Fr. Sheldon.