David Lummus Sheldon, born August 22, 1937, passed away on October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Howard Sheldon and Louise (Palmer) Sheldon.
David is survived by his loving wife Erika; their son David (Patricia) Sheldon of Concord, N.H.; their daughter Heidi (Alvin) Fortune of Bedford, N.H.; their grandchildren, Karilyn (Dustin) Calvert of Boscawen, N.H., Kathryn (David) McKillop of Concord, N.H., Alvin Trent Fortune Jr (fiancée Carlyn) of Atlanta, Ga., and Erika Fortune of New York City; their great-grandchildren, Matilda McKillop, David (DJ) McKillop, and Marcus Calvert; and his brother Howard P. Sheldon of Fort Myers, Fla.
David was raised on the family dairy farm by an extended family as his mother died a few months after he was born. He graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied animal husbandry.
On December 20, 1960, David married Erika, the love of his life. They enjoyed many adventures and traveled all over the world. They loved any beach, beautiful sunsets, and Cape Cod. Dave was a humble man who accomplished much in his life and led many town committees and national agricultural associations in his role as chief of the Department of Agriculture for the State of Massachusetts. He had a unique combination of wit, wisdom, and warmth.
David’s greatest joys were his wife of 65 years; his children, Heidi and David; his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren.
The family of David Sheldon will receive friends on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 7, at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Great Barrington, conducted by Rev. Tadd Allman Morton, followed by a burial at Lee Memorial Cemetery, Norfolk Road, New Marlborough, Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of David may be made to the First Congregational Church in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
