Ronald “Ronnie” Eldon Shelton, 83, of Wayne City, IL passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL surrounded by his family. Ronnie was born October 11, 1940 in Paxton, IL to Howard & Ruby (Lathrop) Shelton. On June 6, 1982 he married Carol (Hutchcraft) Shelton, who survives. They were blessed with 41 years of marriage. He was a member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, south of Keenes, IL for many years and later became a member of the Epworth Methodist Church.
Ronnie was a farmer his whole life. He loved taking care of his cows and goats, and driving tractors. He enjoyed family gatherings, fish fries, holding babies, and spending time with friends and family. He loved spending time with his wife Carol at his side. He always insisted that she sit right next to him. Ronnie never knew a stranger, and was always willing to help out someone in need. He was intelligent, kind, and funny. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and he will be dearly missed.
Ronnie is survived by his wife Carol Shelton of Wayne City, 6 children: Debbie Blakey of Woodlawn, IL; Scott (Catherine) Shelton of Dahlgren, IL; Tina (Rick) Bray of Bluford, IL; Misty (John) Kearbey of Du Quoin, IL; Tonya Tuttle (and Doug Akers) of Belle Rive, IL; and Rodney (Jeana) Shelton of Mt. Vernon, IL; 12 grandchildren: Jacque (Steve) Withrow, Cody (Sara) Shelton, Felicia (Jeremy) Johnson, Nickolas (Maria) Tannahill, Amber Banks (and Wes Phillips), Coleton Kearbey, Tyler (Alyssa) Shelton, Lukas Shelton, Tristan Shelton, Emily Shelton, Matthew Shelton, and Katie Shelton, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 sisters-in-law: Diane Smith and Dixie Hutchcraft.
He was preceded in death by his parents Howard & Ruby Shelton, a baby brother Harold Shelton, a sister Marilyn Downey, 2 brothers-in-law: Stanley Hutchcraft and Mike Smith, and a son-in-law Darrell Blakey.
Funeral services for Ronald “Ronnie” Eldon Shelton will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, IL with Pastor Ed Foley officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Young Funeral Home. Interment will follow the funeral service at Mt. Zion/Farnsworth Cemetery, south of Keenes, IL.
Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com.