Lonnie Burl Shelley

Lonnie Burl Shelley, 78, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 11, 1947, in Kenefic, Oklahoma, to Leon Shelley and Joyce (Ritchie) Shelley. Lonnie graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1964 and went on to attend Murray State College from 1965–1966. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam. A true patriot, Lonnie’s love for his country was evident—he could often be seen wearing his veteran’s hat, except when he was in church. On April 7, 1971, Lonnie married the love of his life, Ruth Hamilton, in Weatherford, Texas. Together they built a life filled with faith, love, and devotion to their family. Lonnie was a faithful and active member of the Church of God in Ravia, where he lived out his love for the Lord and his calling. He retired from Michelin in 2010 after many years of dedicated work. Outside of his career, Lonnie enjoyed camping, water skiing, snow skiing, traveling, music, and spending time tinkering in his shop. Known for his ability to build or repair nearly anything, he found joy in creating and fixing, always with a spirit of resourcefulness. Above all, Lonnie loved the Lord, cherished his beloved wife Ruth, and adored his family. He instilled in them the importance of putting God first in their lives. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Joyce Shelley, and his brother, Jerry Shelley. Those left to treasure his memory include his wife of 54 years, Ruth Hamilton Shelley; daughter, Deborah Hook and husband Michael; brother, John Shelley and wife Phyllis; granddaughter, Mikayla Embry and husband Coty; grandson, Heath Hook; adopted granddaughter, Anoli Scott and husband Caleb; great-grandchildren, Christian Embry and Violet Nevaeh Ann Embry; along with a host of other family members and dear friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Nazarene Church in Tishomingo, with interment to follow at Seeley Cemetery in Connerville. Family hour will be held Wednesday evening, October 1, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home in Tishomingo. Serving as pallbearers will be Coty Ramer, David Scarberry, Des Johnson, Ernest Gilbert, Mike Brently, and Monty Riveria. Honorary pallbearers will be Governor Bill Anoatubby, John Christian Embry, Coty Embry, Heath Hook, and Danny Hook.

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Lonnie Burl Shelley

July 11, 1947 - September 28, 2025