James Craton Yelton

Chester James Craton Yelton (Jim) passed away peacefully on September 27 at the Agape Hospice House in Lexington, SC. During his stay there at Agape Hospice House he enjoyed a constant stream of visitors, both family and friends. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, October 1, 2018 at First Baptist Church, Chester with Reverend Clay Waldrip officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the vestibule of the church. He was born to Leonard and Mae Yelton in the backwoods of Rutherford County, NC on June 26, 1932.Throughout his life, Jim was kind and generous to his many family and friends, and is well-loved by all.He enjoyed socializing, traveling, square dancing, playing cards, hunting, fishing, and golfing.He was married to Lorene Brooks, of Shelby, NC on February 19, 1958, and was a loving father and exemplary role model to their one son, Dennis.After Lorene’s passing, Jim remained an active and loving part of her family for the rest of his life.Later, he married Mae Crosby, of Chester, SC on June 14, 1985, and was an active and loving member of her family and the families of her three children, Patricia, Charlotte, and Walker.At the end of her life, when Mae required constant care at an assisted living facility, Jim was at her side every day without fail for two and a half years. Jim proudly served his country in both the army and the air force. He served in the Korean war 1950-1952 and then went on to serve in the air force 1954-1975, retiring as a senior master sergeant. Afterwards, he worked for the post office in Orangeburg, SC 1975-1984, and then permanently retired to Chester, SC. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chester, SC, where he taught Sunday school for 27 years. For many years, he delivered meal on wheels for the Chester Senior Services Center. He was also a member and frequent visitor of the Leroy Springs Recreation Complex in Chester. Jim is survived by his children Dennis (Cyndi) Yelton, Patricia (Robert) Shannon, and Walker (Pamela) Crosby; his grandchildren, Adam (Charlotte) Shannon, Clay (Jennifer) Shannon, Becca (Glen) Mims, Tyler Crosby, Morgan (Kirk) Ellison, Hannah Crosby, and Addison (Wells) Pierce; his great-grandchildren Carlee Shannon, Ashton Shannon, Ellea Shannon, Alister Shannon, Genevieve Shannon, Landen Mims, Hailey Clevon, Lillian Mims, Hogan Mims, Rowan Mims, Crosby Ellison, Margret Ellison, and Katherine Ellisons; his siblings John (Carolyn) Yelton, Frances (Norris) Bishop, Bud (Mary) Yelton, Dorothy (Joseph) Dixon, Kenneth (Betty) Head, Sandra (Wayne) Wilson, Geraldine (Bud) Ledbetter, Brenda (Steve) Jackson, Carolyn (Bobby) Fowler, Patty (Holland) Luckado, and Bruce (Sandra) Yelton; and his siblings-in-law Nelson (Cynthia) Brooks, and Gail (Charles) Canipe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Lorene Yelton; his second wife Mae Yelton; his siblings Jack Yelton, Eugene Yelton, Betty Crump, Gary (Gail) Yelton, David (Shirley) Yelton, Bobby Head, and unnamed twins that died at birth; and his great-granddaughter Nora Elliott Shannon. . Those who wish may contribute a memorial gift to either First Baptist Church, 102 Church Street, Chester, SC 29706 or The Agape Foundation, 1624 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Online condolences may be made to the family at barronfuneralhome.com.