Shelby Ray Stence, 86, of Lexington, passed away the morning of Wednesday, Aug.
17, 2022, at his home in Lexington. Shelby Ray Stence was born March 7, 1936, in Crosby County, to Robert and Nettie (Horton) Stence. He was baptized July 25, 1948, at Forest Grove Christian Church by Rev. C.E. Fraim.
Shelby was confirmed Feb. 2, 1966, at St.
James Lutheran Church by Rev. Jon Siemglusz.
On Aug. 18, 1957, he was united in marriage to Jeanette Patschke at St. James Lutheran Church by Rev. Paul Stengel Jr. He worked as an electrician for many years, retiring from Texas Utilities in Rockdale. Shelby also ran Stence Electric in Lexington for many years. He enjoyed traveling with his family across the United States, starting off with the camper shell on the back of the truck to finally getting an RV, and taking pictures of all the state border signs. Their favorite place to go was Brownwood State Park where they would meet up with other family members. He also enjoyed fishing in Lake Somerville, restoring old tractors, and growing tomatoes in his garden.
Shelby loved his community and opened his shop doors so others could work on their cars or projects. He was a member of St.
James Lutheran Church and served as an elder.
Shelby was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nettie Stence; two sisters, Carrie Lois and Ural Wells and Hazel and Dow Chesnut; three brothers, Roy and Myrtle Stence, Henry and Stella Stence, and Barney and Marilyn Stence; and one grandson, Matthew Stence.
Shelby is survived by his wife, Jeanette Stence of Lexington; three children, Tim and Glenda Stence of Taylor, Robert and Jennifer Stence of Katy, and Theresa Stence of Lexington; four grandchildren, Amanda Cage of Thrall, Heather and Carlos Watson of Thrall, Sarah and Chris Danna of Lexington, and Ellen Stence of Denver, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Carlos Watson, Cayden Watson, Jack Watson, Seth Cage, Chris Danna, Cole Danna, and Dylan Banigan.
A funeral was held Tuesday, Aug. 23, at St.
James, Lutheran Church in Lexington with Rev.
Jonathan Meyer officiating. Burial followed in the St. James Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church in Lexington or to the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings.
