Ian Wolfe Shelton
Ian Wolfe Shelton, Artist, Printer, Skateboarder, Bartender, DJ and Life Enthusiast, died in a tragic accident June 14, 2023, in Lawrence, Kansas.
Ian was born July 3rd, 1979, in Wichita, Kansas. He graduated from NorthEast Magnet High School in 1998, and attended college at Wichita State University, specializing in ceramics.
Ian had a passion for life and lived each moment to the fullest. He was a friend to all who he met and treated everyone like family.
Ian is survived by his father, Michael (Kathryn Nelson) Shelton; mother, Valerie K. Buffalohead; his sister, Megan Shelton, Wichita; a daughter, Cara Martin, Scottsdale, AZ; his aunts, Tonia Shelton of St. Louis, MO; Jacque Shelton of Houston, TX; Clarice Buffalohead-Pearman, Springdale, AR; Beneva Ivy, Rebecca Cary, Janell Piper, Rhonda Buffalohead and two uncles, Mitchell Buffalohead and Wendell Buffalohead all of Wichita. As well as many cousins and friends he considered family.
He is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Bill and Ruth Shelton and Vance and Katie Bea Buffalohead and a uncle Vincent Perry Buffalohead.
Memorial Services will be held in Wichita, Friday, June 23rd, 2023, 10 am at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary and a Celebration of Life gathering will take place Sunday, June 25th, 2023, 4-8 pm at River Rat Skate Shop, Lawrence, where Ian worked as a screen printer at Happy Shirt printing.
The family is asking if donations wish to be made that they be sent to River Rat Skate Shop, 602 North 2nd Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, in Ian’s name where they will be distributed to various Skateboarding organizations for kids.
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I am so saddened and my heart hurts for Ian’s family and friends. Ian lived right down the street from me and my husband Rick, and we occasionally waved hello, in passing. We did not get to know him, and now I regret that. As I have now read a bit about his life and how he touched many people with his creativity and joy of life, I do think we would have gotten along great. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him.
Sincerely, with deepest sympathy, Janet Botkin
Ian, we weren’t friends but you were always kind and not ever creepy, which is saying a lot. I am so sad for your family and many, many friends. I hope you’re at peace and resting easy. I’m really glad I got to meet you.
Bombing parking garages.
One of the most loyal friends.
I love you, Ian
Sweet sweet Ian. I have so many questions on how this could’ve happen🥺
Ian was always a kind, gentle soul, that had tremendous talent.
Ian had aways stood out to me, even as a young 12-13 year old girl I noticed his shine right way. I had the biggest crush on him. I remember me and my girlfriend gathering enough change just to take the city bus downtown, all in hopes to see Ian under the bridge skating with all his friends. He was shy but always had a carefree aura surrounding him.
I wish I would’ve stayed more in touch in the recent years. This is a tough one. 💔
Ian, you will be greatly missed and always remembered. Rest easy, friend. 🩵
🙏🙏🙏’s Valerie for your loss!
Ian was like my little brother. We played video games together. We swam at Sally’s in the summer. We fished anywhere we could. My favorite memory is when we fished at church camp. All our free time we spent in a boat on the water catching large mouth bass. Wished I could do that one more time with my cousin! Loved him like a brother!
To Ian’s family; I am so sorry for your loss and hope to hug you soon! I have been and will continue to pray for strength for you all!
Ian was one of the best friends I ever had. We were nearly inseparable from second grade until middle school. Ian and Ian’s family treated me like I was family as my family did to him.
Carving wooden knives, exploring, playing catch, and most of all, skateboarding together. I cherish those memories!
We drifted apart mainly because of going to different schools and I will always regret not trying harder to reconnect! I haven’t seen or talked to Ian in decades but this loss is harder than any I can remember, family or friends.
I hope that shows a glimpse of how special Ian was.
Sincerely,
David Leierer
Mike, Just received the tragic news. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are with you at this time of your loss. His stars will shine bright above. With love and concern. Dennis, Vickie and Noah Flores
Beautiful parents he had pray for him and all
Valerie, Mike, Meagan and Ian’ family. Please accept my condolences on Ian’ passing. I will forever keep him in my memory. CindySunderland Holcomb 🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹