Lewis Eldon Sheldon

     Lewis Eldon Sheldon, age 88, of Elsie, MI, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, 12 days behind his beloved wife Patsy Mae (Lambert) Sheldon. 

      Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, with Pastor Brendan Holmquist officiating. Burial will take place at South Bingham Township Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. 

      Lou was born in Eagle, Michigan on April 28, 1936, the son of George and Nina (Mong) Sheldon. Lou married Pat, on December 22, 1955, in Middleton, Michigan. They were blessed with 68 years of marriage, prior to her passing on June 12, 2024. 

      Lou worked for Fisher Body (GM) in Lansing for more than 40 years until his retirement in 1995. Near retirement Lou earned his GED. He was an airplane enthusiast and would attend the air show in Oshkosh, WI often. Lou obtained his pilot’s license in his 50's and he built his own Gyrocopter. He took lessons to fly it in Chesaning. Lou enjoyed old cars and was proud of his 1937 Ford Coupe that he drove in the Mint Fest & Elsie Dairy Fest Parade. Lou and Pat enjoyed traveling together and took many trips to Arkansas to visit his brother and sister in law George & Lucille and trips to Arizona to visit his sister Alice. While in Arizona they visited the Grand Canyon. 

   Lou will be remembered for his giving heart. He would give someone the shirt off his back and help anyone in need if he could. 

    He is survived by his sons: Mark (Sue) Sheldon of Lyons, MI; Randy Sheldon of St. Johns, MI; Tim (Karen) Sheldon of Jacksonville, FL; Jim Sheldon of St. Johns, MI; his daughter Lori (Don) Phelps of Elsie, MI; eleven grandchildren: Steven Sheldon, Cory Sheldon, Josh Sheldon, Krystal Sheldon, Brandy (Travis Lake) Alcaraz, Chelsea (Mickey) Armstrong, Morgan (D.J. Gilbert) Sheldon, Michael Sheldon, Kaci (Jared) Miller, Angela (Jordan) Hill, and Tyler Sheldon; nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Rick of Mt. Pleasant, MI; in-laws: Sandra (Bill) Jones, Susan Lambert, Dana Lambert-Bottum, Denise Lambert, Gail (Deo) Winsor, Sue Lambert, Rex Red, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patsy, infant great-granddaughter Alivia Lake, his siblings: Howard, George (Lucille), Jim, Hank (Gene), Al (Joyce), Bill (Jo), and Chuck (Liz) Sheldon, his brothers-in- law: Eugene (Connie), Roger (Vergeline), Gary, Dennis, Richard, and Bruce Lambert, sisters in law: Judy (Richard) Saylor, Pam (Larry) Struck, and Christine (Bill) Upton.

   Memorials may be made to Ele's Place, 1145 W. Oakland Avenue, Lansing, MI 48915 or A Charity of the Donor's Choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.