Johnny Lee Sheldon

Johnny “John” Lee Sheldon, 52, passed away on January 22, 2022 at the Northern Montana Care Center where he resided. John was born on October 29, 1969 to Beverly Sue Layton and John Thomas Downey in Butte, Mt. He grew up in Chester, Mt. with his mother, father Gary Norman Layton and sister. He attended Chester High School and played the drums in the pep band. While growing up and throughout his life he spent much of his time with his dad, Gary, hunting, fishing and learning how to fix nearly anything. John put those skills to use throughout his life as he worked as a mechanic, landscaper, maintenance technician, production laborer, industrial gas technician, among others. While he enjoyed working and helping others John’s family came first and is what he loved the most. John’s friendly nature and contagious smile made it so that no one was ever a stranger and his friends quickly became part of the family. John was full of love for anyone and everyone. 

John loved to stay active, always having a project to work on. If he ever took the time for a break you would likely see him with a Rainer in his hand. John shared his love of hunting, fishing, and camping with his children and was ecstatic when he moved back to Montana where he could be closer to his family and the place he longed to be the most. 

John is survived by his dad Gary Layton; children, Stephanie Prellwitz, Nichole Torget, Alexis Dvorak, Jonita Donnor, and Taylor Sheldon; brother, Edward Downey; sister, Tessa Bryer; several grandchildren and many other family members and friends. 

The best way to honor the life of this exceptional man who was taken from us much to soon is to live as he did. Smile at strangers. Offer your help as often as possible. Remember not to take your half out of the middle. Learn new things and teach them to others. Find the joy in life, but, above all, love. Love your friends. Love the strangers around you. Love your family, and don’t hesitate to tell them because tomorrow may never come.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, August 10, at 2pm at Chester Cemetery.