J. Keith Shackelford

John Keith Shackelford passed away peacefully in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the age of 74. He was born in Dallas, Texas on July 13, 1951.

At the age of 15, his parents moved the family to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he graduated from Captain Shreve High School in 1969. He attended Texas A&M University for three semesters, followed by a spring and summer semester at LSU Shreveport. Keith moved to Baton Rouge in 1971, when he transferred to LSU, graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering in December 1974. As a licensed Professional Engineer, he was president of the Baton Rouge chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers and Director of Louisiana Section Board of American Society of Civil Engineers. Keith worked 20 years with Owen and White Consulting Engineers, 20 years with CSRS, Inc., and his final years at Manchac Consulting Group. Among his achievements, he designed water distribution systems and wastewater treatment plants for municipalities and acted as utility coordinator for the Green Light Plan in Baton Rouge. He was a faithful member at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church since 1989, where over the years he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of Trustees, Chairman of Staff, Parish Relations, and Chairman of the Memorial Committee.

Keith is remembered as an honorable, steadfast, kind, and gentle man. He offered his time and wisdom freely and without expectation. He could always be relied upon for thoughtful insight or helpful advice. Keith was adored by his children and followed their achievements closely with pride. He was devoted to St. Andrew’s and enjoyed singing in the Chancel Choir for more than 25 years, especially enjoying Christmas and Easter music services. Keith loved his family most dearly, cherished his close friends, and held a special place in his heart for his German Shepherds: Duchess, Ebony Rose, Emma Ruth, Sophia Rae, and Raven.

Preceding Keith in death are his parents, Guy Kraft and Dorothy Nan Amox Shackelford, of Shreveport, Louisiana, grandparents John Carr and Minnie Hines Amox of Hughes Springs, Texas, and Guy H. and Ellasee Shackelford of Dallas and Mesquite, Texas, and his brother, Timothy Craig Shackelford of Nicholasville, Kentucky.

John Keith is remembered with love and survived by his sons Adam Swales of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and John Shackelford (Liz) of Toronto, Canada; granddaughter Morgan Swales of Raleigh, North Carolina, sister-in-law Sheila Gordon Shackelford of Nicholasville, Kentucky; nephew Cody Shackelford (Sarah) of Lexington, Kentucky; niece Chelsea Shackelford Rich of Bossier City, Louisiana; and former wife Rosalyn Nicholas of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 17510 Monitor Avenue in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com