Stence

LEXINGTON—Funeral services for Shelby Ray Stence, 86, of Lexington, were held Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022 at St. James Lutheran Chur c h i n L ex i ngton with Rev. Jonathan Meyer officiating. Burial followed in the St. James Lutheran Cemetery.

Mr. Stence was born March 7, 1936, in Crosby County to Robert and Nettie (Horton) Stence.

He was baptized on July 25, 1948, at Forest Grove Christian Church by Rev. C.E. Fraim. Shelby was confirmed on Feb. 2, 1966, at St. James Lutheran Church by Rev. Jon Siemglusz.

On Aug. 18, 1957, he was married to Jeanette Patschke at St. James Lutheran Church by Rev. Paul Stengel Jr.

Mr. Stence worked as an electrician for many years, retiring from Texas Utilities in Rockdale. He 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.

Mr. Stence also enjoyed fishing in Lake Somerville, restoring old tractors, and growing tomatoes in his garden.

He loved his community and opened his shop doors so others could work on their cars or projects.

Mr. Stence was a member of St. James Lutheran Church and served as an elder.

He died Wednesday, Aug. 17, at his home in Lexington.

Mr. Stence 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, Barney and Marilyn Stence; and a grandson, Matthew Stence.

Survivors are 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; and four grandchildren, Amanda Cage of Thrall, Heather and Carlos Watson of Thrall, Sarah and Chris Danna of Lexington, and Ellen Stence of Denver, Colorado; also, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Pallbearers were Carlos Watson, Cayden Watson, Jack Watson, Seth Cage, Chris Danna, Cole Danna and Dylan Banigan.

Memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church in Lexington or to the charity of one’s choice.