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Sheldon Edsel O'Connor, 73, died January 24, 2025, at Azria Health Woodhaven, Great Bend, Kansas.  He was born June 29, 1951, in Stockton, Kansas, the son of John and Gladys (Edson) O'Connor.  Sheldon grew up in Alton, Kansas, attending high school in Stockton, Kansas.  He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as an E6 Staff Sergeant.

Sheldon worked as a truck driver for many years for various companies, including Arrow, Werner, S&S Trailer Sales, and Miller Trucking. It was on one of these jobs that he met Karen at the company where she worked and it was a whirlwind romance, marrying a few short months later.

On August 31, 1996, he married Karen L. Thomas- Eaves in Hoisington, Kansas. Moving then to Hoisington where he became active in the American Legion Post #286 of Hoisington and the V.F.W. Post #3111 of Great Bend. He also attended the First United Methodist Church of Hoisington. Sheldon was a cowboy at heart and loved watching rodeos and even participating in a few.  His other love was his many loyal dogs.

Survivors include: his wife of 28 years, Karen O'Connor of the home; stepson, Kenny Eaves  (companion Teddi Snow) of Hoisington; stepdaughter, Mandy (James) Turner of Great Bend; sister, Gladys Lehman of Smith Center; three grandchildren, Shania (Nathan) Hillegeist of Hoisington, Emily Turner (companion Leeland Martindale) of Topeka, and Lindsay Turner (fiancé Tom Gregg) of Ellinwood; and six great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Macie, Carter, Bella, Luna, and Elliot.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson, David Eaves, and five siblings, June Baker, Leona Miller, Eddie O'Connor, Phyllis Drake, and Johnnie O'Conner.

Family will greet friends from 6 – 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Friends may sign the book now until service. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Hoisington, Kansas, with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg presiding. Inurnment will follow in the Hoisington Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Army Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #286 in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.