Pictures as community pays respect to Darlington dad of two after sudden death

Loved ones of a well-known Darlington dad who sadly passed away suddenly earlier this month came out in droves today to say their final goodbyes at his funeral service.

The grounds of St Cuthbert's Church in Darlington were filled with mourners today (June 26) who came out to pay their respects to Sheldon Kelly - a 29-year-old dad of two who suddenly died in June 4.

Sheldon, who worked as a roofer, was "the best dad to our children and the best husband" according to his wife Lisa Marie, 28, who he leaves behind as well as son Sheldon Junior, 5 and daughter Lorena, 2.

Lisa Marie previously told the Echo: “Sheldon was such a caring, loving, person. The past few weeks have just been heartbreaking. He definitely took a piece of me with him.

“It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you soon my best friend.”

Pictures from the funeral show dozens of people lining the street to glimpse blue and white floral tributes that were brought in on at least a dozen vans reading “son”, “dad” and “husband”.

Images of Sheldon with friends and family were also adorned with flowers with handwritten messages reading Sheldon was “far too good for this world” and will “always be missed”.

At the service, the speaker said: “For all that he meant to us for the difference he made to so many, and for the memories we cherish today. We thank you for the gift of Sheldon.”

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Recommended:

• St Cuthberts Church service for Darlington dad Sheldon Kelly

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Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Pictures from the funeral of 29-year-old Sheldon Kelly from Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)