Kenneth i. sheldon

Kenneth I. Sheldon, 84, of McDonough passed away on April 16, 2017 at Chenango Memorial Hospital, Norwich, NY. He was born on September 8, 1932 in Pharsalia, a son of the late Harvey and Marion (Wright) Sheldon. On October 26, 1957, he married Ruth Excell.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of McDonough; his four sons and their wives, Kenneth L. and Shelley Sheldon of Elon, NC, Michael and Carol Sheldon of Greene, Matthew and Annette Sheldon of Georgetown, and Scott and Sandi Sheldon of Sherburne; and a sister, Nora Sheldon of South Otselic. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald Sheldon, Sr.
Ken was an active member of the McDonough Fire Department for almost 60 years. He held a variety of roles in the fire department, having held the roles of secretary, Assistant Chief, and Chief. He was recognized for his contributions to the department by being given the Firefighter of the Year award in 1995, and was awarded the Chenango County Fireman of the Year in 1996. He also was a member of the Chenango County Fire Police Association for many years.
Ken was also an active member of the community. He took it upon himself to hang up the nets at the tennis and basketball courts every spring, and mowed the lawns at the Methodist church and fire department for many years. He also was a Boy Scout leader and a coach for little league. Because of his devotion to McDonough, Ken was given the honor of McDonough's Citizen of the Year.
Ken had many hobbies. He made and repaired furniture, made syrup every spring, and cider every fall. Many kids have fond memories making cider with Ken, doing it the old fashion way. He and Ruth also enjoyed square dancing and round dancing in local clubs. He also took great pride in his service to his country, for the time he spent in the Army.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the McDonough United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will be in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery, Greene.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and on Saturday at the McDonough United Methodist Church from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ken Sheldon Community Service Fund, c/o McDonough Fire Department or the McDonough United Methodist Church. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.behefuneralhome.com

Visitation at Funeral Home

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, April 21, 2017
Behe Funeral Home Inc. 21 Main Street Oxford, New York, United States 13830-3371