John Henry Shelton

John was born in Jarvis Store, KY, on February 24, 1938, to Elijah and Laura (Trent) Shelton. John served his country honorably in the National Guard for 7 years. He attended Sue Bennett College. John married Alice (Mills) Shelton in December 1960. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 47 years. Also preceding him in death were brothers Lonnie, Oscar, and Andy Shelton, and sisters Ruby Priest and Mary Stroud. He is survived by his daughter Dana (Jim) Reeves and son Joe Shelton of Franklin, Ohio; grandchildren Zachary Dezarn of Franklin, North Carolina, Tanner Shelton of Kettering, Ohio, Trevor Shelton and Jesse Reeves of Franklin, Ohio, and Steve (Ragan) Reeves of Monroe, Ohio; great-grandchildren Braylen, Bri, Braxton, and Brantley Dezarn of Franklin, North Carolina and Ava and Piper Reeves from Monroe, Ohio; and sister Irene Thompson of Somerset, Kentucky.

John grew up working on the family farm where he developed his strong work ethic. He loved sports and excelled at basketball and football in high school. Upon getting married, he and his wife moved to New Albany, Indiana, for employment with Pillsbury. After the birth of their first child, they moved to Franklin, Ohio, where he began working at Armco Steel. John worked at Armco Steel for over 30 years, after which he retired. During that time, he completed a successful apprenticeship as a machinist.

John loved his family and worked hard to provide them with a good life. He passed his love of sports onto his kids, including when he coached them both. He was always at his kids’ sporting events and would help get them ready for their games — passing with them to warm them up for a baseball game, shooting hoops, or working on their passing, dribbling, and defense.

John loved music and was a very talented guitar player. Many of his siblings shared that same love, and many family gatherings were spent playing music and singing for hours upon hours, just “picking and grinning.” He was always looking for a jam session. John also loved camping and fishing with one of his brothers and his family, passing that love onto his kids as well. He always kept a meticulous lawn, and his home always was manicured so well. He took great pride in his home. He was also a gifted woodworker and loved making many things for his family. He was great at working on cars and could fix almost anything. He was a true godsend to his family. The neighborhood kids were constantly bringing their bikes over for him to air up their tires or fix their flats. He was always working or tinkering on something. He really enjoyed fixing things and the pleasure it gave others.

He raised his kids in church to know Jesus and the love of Christ. Later in life, he honored his marriage vows to his wife, in sickness and in health, staying by her side over a very lengthy illness. He will be deeply missed by his family.

The family will hold a private service. John will be laid to rest at Woodhill Cemetery in Franklin, Ohio.