Kenneth “Kenny” L. Shelton, 73, of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on May 1, 2025, with his beloved wife, Karen, by his side. Born December 13, 1951, in Cowan, Tennessee, to James M. Shelton Sr. and Ruby Shelton-Bennett, Kenny’s life was a testament to his love for family, music, hard work and dedication and his fierce loyalty he held for his favorite sports teams.
The family relocated to Akron, Ohio, where Kenny attended Robinson Elementary, Goodyear Junior High, and graduated from East High School. His dedication and commitment continued as he served his country with distinction through multiple tours of duty in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and serving tours of duty in Japan, Omaha, Nebraska, and Tacoma, Washington. Following his military service, Kenny worked diligently as a laborer for National Machine and, at the time of his passing, as a tow motor operator for J.R. Engineering.
Kenny shared a unique bond with his father, a shared love of sports but especially baseball. Whether watching games on television or listening intently to radio broadcasts—a pastime perhaps less familiar to younger generations—their love of the game was a constant in their lives. As a teenager, Kenny played in the Mason Park baseball league, forging lifelong friendships that enriched his life. His dedication to football was equally intense. Football season was a time when he “disappeared” from the rest of the world, wholly engrossed in the game with no room for distractions from anyone for any reason. In his twenties, Kenny’s talent and outgoing personality led him and group of friends, Harry and David King, Nat Blocker, and Time Dortch to start the “The Dominques,” a popular local R&B group, They performed at numerous “talent shows”, “Battle Of The Bands” competitions, and clubs across Akron, bringing joy to audiences with their renditions of Motown classics and top 50 hits.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruby Shelton-Bennett; sisters, Deborah Fox and Yasmin (Nickey) Shelton; brothers, James (Jimbo) Shelton Jr., grandparents, Harrison (Maggie) Long and Arthur and Jenny Shelton; uncles, Jeff (Willie Mae) Shelton, Lawrence Hudgens, and James Hudgens; aunts, Ruby (Jesse) Easton, Gladys (John) Brown, Carrie Wade, Alice Featherstone, and Ernestine Ferguson; and in-laws, Marjorie and John Stewart, Nadine White, and Ralph Dix.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Karen Shelton; son, Kenny Shelton Jr.; daughters, Stephani (Nicolas) Weber and Vanessa (Davey) Shelton-Bocook of Tacoma, Washington, and Mika Stewart of Akron; sister, Phyllis “Nate” (Terry Sr.) Smith; nieces and nephews, Yolanda Shelton, Regina Shelton, Tinisha and Brandon McClain, Earl Shelton, Tremaine and Laura Shelton; grandchildren, Breyden, Kinzley, and Tycho Weber, Augustine Bocook, Crystal, Lamont Jr., and Mekai Stewart; uncle, Henry Wade; aunt, Hattie Hudgens; and a host of other cherished cousins, relatives, and friends.
Kenny’s life was a model for everyone, demonstrating the value of loyalty, devotion, passion, the arts and the enduring power of family and friendship. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Condolences may be sent to: Karen Shelton, 915 Mull Avenue, PH-11, Akron, Ohio 44313