Stephen “Tiger” Shelton, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019.
He was born on Aug. 30, 1948 and raised in Trout Creek, where he proudly took over his family’s farm and operated it for his entire life. In addition to working as a farmer, Steve also worked for Ben Reynolds Construction for a short while in which he thoroughly enjoyed and had many stories to tell about his experiences with the Reynolds family and his fellow coworkers.
Steve was a hardworking man with a love for farming. Farming and his children were a huge part of his life. He loved being able to work alongside his boys and always talked about how proud he was of every one of his kids “no matter what” as he would say. Steve also loved striking up conversation with not only his family and friends but even with total strangers. His wild sense of humor was memorable as well as his compassion for animals, especially his beloved dogs. Steve did not have many hobbies outside of his farm work but he did enjoy doing crossword puzzles in the weekly paper, occasional scratch off tickets, and especially loved his vacations to Lancaster, Pa.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, Luther and Dottie Shelton, his brother Carl Shelton, his son Bob Shelton and grandson, Brandon Shelton and nephew Duane Gifford.
He is survived by his sisters Sharon Gifford and Kathy (William) Layton. His children John (Shannon) Shelton, Scott (Nicole) Shelton, and Brittany Shelton (Rodney Terry) as well as his step daughters Bambi and Lacey Steele and adopted daughters Jennifer and Jessica Shelton. His grandchildren Jessica, Samantha, Miranda, Hunter, Paige, Mason, and Reese.
A service officiated by Pastor David Gatje will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Trout Creek Fire Hall at 10 a.m. where all family and friends are invited, followed by a celebration of life at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Trout Creek Emergency Squad and Trout Creek Fire Department.
