Memorial for Toby Shehorn

On Monday, September 6th in the late afternoon, our family suffered a devastating loss. Toby Shehorn passed away suddenly. We later learned that Toby had a massive stroke due to undiagnosed congenital heart abnormalities.

 

There are no words to describe our pain and loss of a man so loved. He leaves his wife, our beautiful daughter, Jera, and their 2 children, Brody and Evie, the lights of his eyes. They were married 14 short but well-lived years . They were a team, best friends, partners in everything and inseparable. They began their friendship in the 6th grade and it's hard to think of Jera without Toby, or Toby without Jera. He was the best dad to Brody and Evie. He was involved with every aspect of their being...from schoolwork, being a dance dad, involved with Brody in athletics, birthday donuts waiting when they got out of bed, pancakes or breakfast burritos in the mornings and having fun in some way no matter what are just a few things amidst a thousand more. He laid the best foundation for them through his actions in caring and helping others, putting someone before yourself and that your family is everything.

 

Along with Jera and the kids, he leaves behind his parents, Rick and Jill, brothers, Josh (Trena) and Richy (Kelsie). His family continued through marriage with in-laws, Jared and Anne McClarren, and sisters, Jenna (Ryan) O'Dell and Jess (Jordan) Richer. All of his nieces and nephews (Danica and Riley Shehorn, Eli, Emma, and Will Shehorn, Landon and Sidney O'Dell, Mack, Luke, and Gavin Richer) also feel the devastating loss of their fun uncle.

 

One can't forget Toby if he ever crossed your path. He was that kind of guy, a legend in his own way. And for Jera, the pain is immense, and never-ending. We comfort her, care for her, cry with her. Her soul-mate, forever best friend and true love is now in Heaven. And she feels alone without him by her side. He is missed. It is difficult. Hearts are broken. It is hard to comprehend. Future plans together are gone. We grieve. Tears are non-stop. Prayers are unending for the strength to get through it all. Toby will be missed by so many. He is unforgettable. The memories of our family vacations, holiday togetherness and daily interactions keep flooding our brains. We want to thank everyone for the kind words, prayers, food to sustain us, and holding us as we cry, it is all appreciated.

 

We are family and we hang together. As we prepare to lay Toby to rest, I want to say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant" and go rest high on that mountain where we can feel your presence holding us up as we carry on without you. We will find comfort knowing you are near. A life without you is so hard to do. Continued prayer is appreciated as is your support and friendship to Jera, Brody and Evie in the days ahead.

 

With love,

The entire Shehorn and McClarren families