With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, we, the family of Allan Reid Shelton, announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother on June 7, 2026, at the age of 86.

Allan was born on September 24, 1939, in Garland, Utah, to Leslie James Shelton and Jessica May Bishop Shelton. He was the second of six children and grew up surrounded by the beauty of northern Utah and Idaho, where his father's love of horses and the outdoors instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work and resilience.

When Allan was just eleven years old, his father was tragically killed in an automobile accident. The loss profoundly shaped his life, and he became a steadfast source of support for his mother and siblings. Those early years forged the qualities that would define him throughout his life: strength, loyalty, humility, and an unwavering commitment to family.

At Bear River High School, he distinguished himself in football, wrestling, and track as well as serving as president of the Bruins Club. His football talents earned him honors as Bear River High’s athlete of the year, as well as a scholarship to Utah State University, where he was proud to play alongside future NFL legend Merlin Olsen.

In 1959, Allan set aside football to faithfully serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Central States Mission. The experience strengthened his testimony and was the basis of a lifetime of service to his family, church, and community.

Shortly after returning home from his mission, Allan married his high school sweetheart, Sonja Secrist, in the Logan Utah Temple on December 20,1961. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and hard work, sharing nearly sixty-five years of marriage.

Allan and Sonja were blessed with seven children. Together they created a home filled with love, laughter, projects, family vacations, and lessons about responsibility and service.

Throughout his career, Allan worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He spent most of his working career with Utah Power and Light, where he developed and managed the customer accounting system. He retired in 1991.

Retirement did not slow Allan down. He turned his talents and energy toward gardening, carpentry, and helping create a cherished family cabin in Collinston, a place where generations of memories were made.

Above all else, Allan loved his family. He taught his children the value of hard work through a family lawn mowing business. While never taking a share of the profits, he generously invested his time and money in their success while expecting nothing in return.

His devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was evident throughout his life. He faithfully served in many callings. During the years 2004-5 Allan and Sonja served together as missionaries in the New York City South Mission. They were later called as ushers at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

Those who knew Allan will remember a man of quiet confidence who never sought attention for himself. He listened more than he spoke, loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and served faithfully. His life was a beautiful example of service, resilience, strength, loyalty, and unconditional love. One of his sons commented that his dad taught him all the important things he needed to know simply by his example.

Allan is survived by his devoted wife, Sonja; his children, Laurie Coburn (Greg), Mike Shelton (Marshelle), Robert Jones (Dina), Chris Shelton (Emily), Heather Simpson (Tony), Misty Carter (Bart), and Mark Shelton (McKell), and their families including 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren with 3 babies on the way; and his brother, Gary Shelton (Carol).

We wish to thank the kind and loving caretakers, as well as the dedicated workers from Legacy House for their devotion to Allan and the care they provided. We express heartfelt gratitude for the many acts of kindness, prayers, and love shown during this time of loss.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Jessica Shelton; his daughter Debbie, brothers Neil, Dennis; and Stephen, sister Linda; and son-in-law, Aaron Simpson.

"Dad, thank you for being our defender, our provider, our example, and our rock. We will love you always."

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 15, 2026, at Noon with a viewing held prior from 10:30-11:30 A.M. All services will be held at the Crystal Heights chapel located at 1970 E Stratford Avenue (2560 South), Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Interment will take place at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah 84106. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.