Joshua Sheldon
Alton |
Joshua “Josh” Phillip Sheldon, age 40, was called home to God on Friday, March 25, 2016 surrounded by family and friends.
Josh was born on July 29, 1975, in Alton, Illinois. He graduated from Belleville Township High School East in 1993 and went on to earn his degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M Galveston in 2001.
Josh’s personal hero, Jacques Yves Cousteau, once said, “When one man, for whatever reason, has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life he has no right to keep it to himself.” Josh shared this sentiment and zest for life. He experienced the world through his travels and many adventures always choosing to live his life to its fullest capacity and making lifelong friends along the way. Many family and friends were blessed to have shared in Josh’s adventures, often living vicariously through him. Josh pursued his passion for the sea, travel, and marine life by working as a Marine Biologist for 15 years. Josh’s life was the definition of a life well lived. His footprint on the world, his family, and his friends, will never be forgotten and will continue to live on in all of our hearts and memories.
Left to cherish Josh’s memory are, his Mother, Martha Sheldon, of Ben Wheeler, Texas, Father, Terry (Linda) Sheldon of Rowlett, Texas, Brother, Jeremy (Stacey) Wenzel, of Delta, Ohio, Sister, Katie (Dustin) Olsen, of Denver, Iowa, Nieces, Savannah Wenzel and Star Olsen, Nephews, Joseph Wenzel and Tyler Olsen, as well as many other loving family members and lifelong friends.
A memorial service in celebration of Josh’s life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Wood River located at 300 East Lorena Avenue, Wood River, Illinois 62095. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:45 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.
