Dirk Thomas Shelton
June 10, 1985 - July 15, 2014Dirk Thomas Shelton, 29, of Fayetteville, NC, formerly of Corbin, passed away July 15, 2014. Born June 10, 1985, in Corbin, he was the son of Tom and Jenny Shelton who survive.
A 2004 graduate of Corbin High School, he entered the United States Air Force in 2005 proudly serving his country in combat tours and numerous missions overseas, including six deployments (four to Afghanistan, and one each to Somalia and Kuwait). SSgt. Shelton’s heroism, service, and contribution earned him numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Achievement Medal (2nd OLC), and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Personal hobbies included working on his truck and bike and building various things.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Jim and Betty Shelton and by two childhood best friends: Jerry Allen Baker and Ian Hall.
In addition to his father and mother, he is survived by his wife, Maria Shelton; sister, brother-in-law, and niece: Morgan Shelton Taylor, David Taylor, and Reagan; maternal grandparents: Earl and Mary Pennington; aunts, uncles, and cousins: Mike and Vic Moore, Jon and Amy; John and Penny Hammons, Johnny B., Julie, and Whitney; Joe and Missy Shelton, Emily, Jamie, and Joey; Martin Pennington, Jake, Brett, and Allie; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Israel and Nimfa Ocasio; and sisters-in-law: Melanie, Marissa, and Mia. He leaves behind special friends Willie Henderson, Paul Viars, and Adam Cox, along with his military family whom he dearly loved. Other family members and innumerable dear friends also survive, to mourn his passing.
Officiated by Pastor Adam Cox and Pastor Tim Thompson, funeral services will be held at 6:00 P.M. Thursday, July 24, 2014, at Grace on the Hill United Methodist Church located at 1632 Cumberland Falls Highway Corbin KY 40701.
The family of Dirk Shelton will receive friends Thursday from 2:00 P.M. until the funeral hour at 6:00 P.M. at the church. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard will conduct military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Special Operations Communicators Association www.thesoca.org or Shriners Hospital for Children in Lexington, KY www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/locations/lexington. Hart Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.
Todd Spencer
Posted at 23:42h, 22 JulySuch a tragic loss, my heart goes out to Dirk’s family and hope they find peace in knowing how much he was loved by all of us at JCU. His spirit and dedication will be sorely missed by all and will never forget this young man. We are fortunate to have known him and are better for it today.
vicki dudley pridemore
Posted at 13:17h, 23 JulyTo the family of Dirk. Words can not express how I feel. I just want to say love you guys and I am praying for you all.
Dana Parks Bowdoin
Posted at 17:44h, 23 JulyJenny, Tom, Maria, and Morgan,
Deep in the heart of Texas our hearts are broken at the loss of Dirk. May God comfort you and your family in ways we cannot. We know you are so very proud of Dirk and we thank you for his service to our country.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. We love you all.
Dana and Mark
Donna and Trey Hunter
Posted at 19:33h, 24 JulyJenny and Tom, Morgan, Mary and Earl,
We have a special place in our hearts for you. It is extremely sadden by the loss you have suffered in Dirk’s passing. It
Is also grateful for the service he gave to protect our country and our freedom. Though we aren’t in Corbin,a part of us is and always will be, and we mourn along with every one there for you and your entire family.
We love you all,
Donna and Trey
Donna and Trey Hunter
Posted at 22:54h, 24 JulyMaria,
Although we have never met, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your family and friends in Corbin are very dear to us. We know they are there to love and comfort you through this difficult time. Our hearts are breaking for and with you.
We are grateful for Dirk’s and your service to our country. And we thank you and your military family. May you feel the love and support from all.
God bless you,
Donna and Trey Hunter
DJ Holly
Posted at 06:12h, 26 JulyI am proud to have served with Dirk. The impact he made on the lives around him will long be remembered. May God Bless and keep your family during this difficult time
DJH