WEEMS—Michael “Mike” Lee Shelton, 62, of Weems passed away on April 22, 2026, with his devoted wife by his side after a courageous six-year battle with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) cancer.
A native of Lancaster County, Mike briefly worked alongside his father as a waterman, crabbing and oystering, following high school. He then went on to graduate from the Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding, a career there that spanned 39 years.
At home, Mike was truly a jack-of-all-trades. Whether it was electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, or yard work, he kept himself busy and took great pride in maintaining everything he owned.
Beyond his handiwork, Mike was blessed with the “gift of gab” and an incredible ability to befriend anyone he met. His sense of humor was a constant companion, staying with him even through the toughest of times.
Above all, he was a devoted family man. Growing up as neighbors and then sweethearts, he and his wife, Karen, spent nearly their entire lives together, including 39 years of marriage.
As a proud father, he always supported his daughters, Nicole and Danielle, in their life choices. He was especially proud of the hard work they put into building their careers and fulfilling family lives. And he was most of all grateful for the grandchildren that they gave him.
After his family, his second love was hunting season. From the time he was old enough until the final year of his life, he spent every winter in the woods deer hunting. He deeply valued his long-time hunting buddies and the many memories they created together. During the summer, he enjoyed spending his time fishing and boating with his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Shelton; daughters, E. Nicole Somers and Danielle Lasher; sons-in-law, Jonathan Somers and Joel Lasher; and grandchildren, Harper Elizabeth Somers, Michael Henry Somers and Avery Grace Lasher. He is also survived by his brother, Steven J. Shelton; and a host of family and friends who will dearly miss his presence.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carole B. Shelton and J. Hathaway Shelton.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, May 9, at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock. Visitation with the family will take place prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Virginia, The Hope Fund,
1251 Tappahannock Boulevard, Suite 1E, Tappahannock, VA 22560. Phone: 804-443-4090.
