Tommy Joel Shelton, 68 (almost 69), of Mt. Sterling passed away Monday, February 24, 2020 at St. Claire Regional Medical Center. He was born March 10, 1951 to the late Tommie Shelton and Betty Broadhead, and raised by his late Aunt Helen (Rob) Lovern. Tommy was a 1969 graduate of Mullins High School in Pike County, Kentucky. He retired from Worldwide Equipment, was a Kentucky State Trooper from 1975-1979, and a US Air Force Vietnam Veteran. He belonged to Masonic Lodge Zebulon 273, was a member of the Widows Sons, and an Oleika Shriner. He was a proud member of the OM International Sideband Society for Amateur Radio, call sign W4JPV (formerly KA4BHA). He was awarded the OMISS WAS award for having contacted someone in all 50 States on May 4, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Hancock Shelton of Mt. Sterling, KY; one son, Jeremy Shelton of Hebron, KY; three daughters, Melanie Cunningham (Brian) of Hebron, KY; Samantha Shelton of Lexington, KY, and Jessica Shelton of Whitesburg, KY; four grandchildren, Conner Shelton, Carson Shelton, Madison Shelton, and Dylan Odegaard; one sister, Ronnie Bailey of Versailles, KY; one nephew Allon Bailey (Lori) of Versailles, KY; one great niece, Kristen Bailey; cousins Rodney (Terena) Lovern and Denver (Teresa) Stewart; and his dog, Whiskey.

In addition to his immediate family, Tommy leaves behind many friends that were like family. Honorable mentions include members of the Lovern, Prater, and Ramsey families, as well as Fred Jones and Roy (Rhonda) Boggs.

In addition to his parents and the aunt and uncle that raised him, he is preceded in death by his dog and best friend, Ruby; his cousin Anna Cantrell; and dear friends Bobby Prater; Henry Clark II; and Bertha and Jim Daniels.

Tommy asked that donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in Lexington, KY in his honor. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.