SSGT - Staff Sergeant,

United States Air Force,

Operation Enduring Freedom,

Dirk Thomas Shelton, 29 years of age, a United States Airman from of Fayetteville, North Carolina formerly of Corbin, Kentucky suffered a serious head injury while staying in Washington D.C., he somehow slipped and hit his head Sunday night, July 12th, 2014 and was later declared brain dead and taken off life support.

Dirk was born on June 10th, 1985, in Corbin, Kentucky, son of Tom and Jenny Shelton. Dirk was 2004 graduate of Corbin High School, he entered the United States Air Force in 2005 proudly serving his country in combat tours and numerous missions overseas, including six deployments (four to Afghanistan, and one each to Somalia and Kuwait). SSgt. Shelton's heroism, service, and contribution earned him numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Achievement Medal (2nd OLC), and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Personal hobbies included working on his truck and bike and building various things.

Dirk was survived by his parents, Tom and Jenny Shelton; his loving wife, Maria Shelton; one sister, Morgan Shelton (and David) Taylor; one niece, Reagan Taylor; maternal grandparents, Earl and Mary Pennington; aunts, uncles, and cousins, Mike and Vic Moore, Jon and Amy: John and Penny Hammons, Johnny B., Julie, and Whitney: Joe and Missy Shelton, Emily, Jamie, and Joey: Martin Pennington, Jake, Brett, and Allie; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Israel and Nimfa Ocasio; sister-in-laws, Melanie, Marissa, and Mia; special friends, Willie Henderson, Paul Viars, and Adam Cox; his military family whom he dearly loved; and other family members and innumerable dear friends who mourn his passing.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jim and Betty Shelton; and two childhood best friends, Jerry Allen Baker and Ian Hall.

Visitations were held on Thursday, July 24th, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Grace on the Hill United Methodist Church in Corbin, Kentucky. The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard conducted military honors for Dirk.

Funeral services were held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24th, 2014 at the Grace on the Hill United Methodist Church with Pastor Adam Cox and Pastor Tim Thompson officiating. The Hart Funeral Home in Corbin, Kentucky was in charge of the arrangements for Dirk.

Burial followed in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Corbin, Kentucky.

Obituary information curtesy of the funeral home. Find A Grave memorial created by Cadmus ID # 46987840.