Sheldon Tomes, 87

​Sheldon Tomes entered into life on March 20, 1939, and entered into rest on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, having been saved as a youth at Slate Bank Church in Reedy, KY.

For thirty-four years, Sheldon was a highly-regarded Machinist Tradesman with the Philip Morris Company in Louisville, Kentucky. Upon his well-earned retirement, Sheldon was able to devote more time to his love of classic cars. His ‘pride and joy’ was his immaculately restored 1955 Chevy Bel Air. Whenever he took that Bel Air to the many car shows that he loved to attend, he inevitably came home with yet another trophy to add to his collection.

He kept up with his many friends and extended family, often catching up over a meal, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner. He never missed a family reunion and would attend retirement celebrations and reunions with friends and former work colleagues.

Sheldon‘s main focus was always on his family. He was married to Eva Pearl Meredith on July 7, 1958, and they remained a devoted couple for thirty-one years until her untimely passing on March 7, 1990. In later life, he was fortunate to enjoy a wonderful companionship with Miss Jean Ford until her passing in 2025.

He was the father of four children: Preshias Harris (Mike) of Goodlettsville, TN; Sheldon [Ken] Tomes (Kaye) of Morgantown, KY; Tishia Hatfield (James) of Leitchfield, KY; and Shannon Eric Tomes who preceded him in death.

Sheldon’s four grandchildren are Jeremy (Brittany), Jake (Kaleb), Kayla (Kyle) and Collin. “Papa Sheldon” was also deeply loved by his six great grandchildren whom he adored and – sometimes – spoiled, just a little! They are: Allie, Ryland, Nolan, Cullen, Adalyn and Eveleigh. Grandson Justin Hatfield preceded him in death, as did Sheldon’s mother Ruby Cecil Tomes, father Hayward Tomes, and his brothers Kelvin and Jimmy Tomes.

He found relaxation when he was fishing or riding his golf cart, often with his grandchildren – and later, his great-grandchildren – as excited passengers. Visitors to his home would often find Sheldon with his cup of coffee, in front of his TV, enjoying his favorite Western shows such as The Virginian, Bonanza, The Rifleman, and of course Gunsmoke!

Above all, Sheldon will be remembered as a kind-hearted and loving man. He will be deeply missed by friends and family who are comforted in the knowledge that he is safe in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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Funeral services led by Rev. Don Lamar will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday at Gravil Funeral Home with burial to follow in Poplar Springs Cemetery. Visitation will take place 4:00-7:00 PM Friday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM Saturday and after 10:00 AM Sunday.