Tyson Christopher Adkins
Tyson Christopher Adkins, age 18, of Shelby, died tragically Monday, September 22, 2025, as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
Born October 5, 2006, in Painesville, Ohio, Tyson was lovingly adopted at birth by his parents Christopher John and Marlene Frances (Steele) Adkins. Tyson attended Shelby City Schools, graduating this past May from both Shelby Senior High School and Pioneer Career and Technology Center with the Class of 2025. He was a member of the Shelby High School bowling team, a sport and hobby he truly loved.
Tyson was mechanically inclined and had a true passion for tinkering. He enjoyed working on small engines—especially lawn mowers—and thrived on the challenge of taking things apart and fixing them back up. Around town, Tyson was well-known for riding his lawn mower through Shelby, often with a trailer hitched to the back. It wasn’t uncommon to see him driving with lawn chairs set up on that trailer, passengers aboard, bringing laughter and smiles to everyone who saw him.
Tyson also loved the outdoors and found joy in spending time in nature. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed casting for bass and walleye and looked forward to ice fishing each winter. He was equally passionate about hunting—whether it was deer, turkey, or pheasant—and also took great enjoyment in sporting clay shooting and hiking. Tyson was a proud member of the Richland County Fish and Game Club, where he shared these interests with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Animals held a special place in Tyson’s heart, particularly dogs. He could never pass by one without wanting to stop and pet it, always asking permission first. That gentle kindness and natural respect for others was a hallmark of his personality.
Tyson will be remembered most for his kind and compassionate spirit. He was polite and respectful, always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone in need—especially when it involved fixing something or assisting with a project. His determination and focus were unmatched, setting his mind to a task and sticking it through to completion. His giving heart, playful nature, and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him.
Tyson is survived by his loving parents: Chris and Marlene; paternal grandparents: John and Karen Adkins of Mansfield; aunts and uncles: Rich and Jill Steele, Ken Steele, Mark Steele, Kelly Lee, and Shari and Don Miller; and numerous cousins, great aunts and uncles including Marcia Hall with whom he was close, and friends. Tyson was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Archie and Marie Steele; uncles: Jeremy Adkins and David Lee; and cousin: Evan Steele.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 3-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10:30 am at Core Community Church, 18 Seneca Drive, Shelby, with Pastors Ben Carver and Mark Lehman officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. A meal and gathering will follow at Core Community Church and guests are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Memorial contributions may be made to Core Community Church or to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters (Bowling Team), c/o Cathy Dodge, 145 Mansfield Avenue, Apt. 7, Shelby, Ohio 44875
Online condolences may be left at on Tyson’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or on Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Tyson’s tribute video click here: Tyson’s tribute video.
Chris, Marlene, Uncle John, Aunt Karen, Kelly, Shari and families, We are heartbroken to hear about Tyson. Please know we are holding you all close in prayer and send our deepest sympathies. May you feel God near and may He bring comfort to your broken hearts. Much love to you all.
Chris and Marlene you are in our thoughts and prayers, Tyson will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s not everyday you see someone so young with such a big heart. Tyson was always eager to lend a helping hand and was always polite and respectful. Sending hugs and many prayers for the difficult days ahead.
Dennis and Jamie
Chris and Marlene, our hearts are broken for you. Please know you are and will be in all our prayers!!!
Marlene and Chris, there are not enough words that can be said to heal your hearts with the devastating loss of Tyson. I can only imagine your grief and sadness, with your faith in our Lord to help you, take one day at a time, knowing that Tyson will be with you in your hearts looking upon you. Always remember the goodness that was in Tyson. Love you both. With our deepest sympathy.
My nephew was good friends with him , I’d like to give our condolences.He Definitely was a great kid.Praying for his parents and family and friends. He will be missed.May he rest in heaven ❤
Marlene and Family,
I am incredibly saddened to hear of your loss of your son. How devastating an unexpected accident is. I remember how your family stood by ours in the loss of my sister Colleen in her car accident. Losing someone so loved is devastating to the family. May God keep you in his loving arms during this time. Sending sympathy and prayers to you.
Amy Albert Brown
My deepest sympathies Chris and Marlene. May God put his arms around you and comfort you somehow. So very sorry.
I know the pain you are going through, and I’m so, so sorry for your loss, Marlene and Chris. My prayers are with you.
Marlene. So very sorry to hear about your son. They will love him in heaven! God will watch over him and you and his Dad
Jean and I are very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Marlene & Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your son. May God wrap his loving arms around you in the coming days, weeks.
Hugs and prayers, Marlene!
So sorry for your loss!
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Marlene,
I am so terribly sorry to hear of your son’s passing. I will always remember seeing you after so many years at McDonalds, with your little boy and you were just beaming with pride. My heart breaks for you and your family! My deepest sympathy to you.
-Kim
Marlene, you have my sympathies on such a great loss. He sounds like a wonderful young man. I will keep you and your family in prayer.
Tammy Loveland Rock
My deepest condolences to all of you on this tragic loss. My thoughts and prayer will be with all of you
Dear Family I remember this handsome young man as a youngster in my Sunday School class. I and many others are praying for the entire family at this time of loss. Cherish the many memories you have of him. So proud to read about the legend he has left with us. May God be with you
Chris & Marlene, we are so sorry to hear about Tyler’s passing. We are praying that you find peace & comfort in all your memories.
Marlene I am so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Hugs and prayers to you, your husband and family.
We are so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the feelings you have. Your family is in our prayers.
Chris and Marlene Jan and I are so very sorry for the loss of your son. Sending prayers.
Barb and Jan Kaple.
Marlene, my heart is filled with deep sadness to learn of this tragedy, but my prayers are with you, your husband Chris and your entire family. May you know the divine peace that surpasses our extremely limited human understanding. May our Heavenly Parent’s tender comfort and strength surround each of you.
We are praying for your family. So very sorry.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know your pain. I lost my oldest son a year ago in Feb and I wouldnt wish that on anyone. Lean hard on your faith; God will carry you through this. I will pray for peace for you and your family.
Prayers of blessings and peace to Marlene & Chris and the entire family on Tyson’s tragic passing. It is terrible to lose a life just starting and I cannot begin to fathom grief that deep. My deepest condolences.
Chris and Marlene our deepest sympathies for the loss of Tyson. Can’t imagine the hurt and emptiness you must feel in your hearts. Keeping you in our prayers.
Oh Marlene and Chris, my prayers are with you for Tyson. I remember him as a little boy filled with so much sparkle and joy. I am very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss Marlene and Chris . Prayers for you in this most saddest time Sincerely Sharon and Ken Wagers
Chris and Marlene you have my deepest sympathy . God bless you both. He is at peace with God.
One of ‘my’ ‘kiddos’, young adults that we are helping out, learning the ropes of young adult life, went to school with Tyson.
I had read the article about accident. Automatic heart sink, such a young guy.
The next night, out of nowhere, things were calm here. Tyson? No you have to be wrong. NOOO not Tyson!! My mind went to that article. And sure enough. I was able to put the story he was hearing from ‘friends’ and the news together for him. Unfortunately this time these ‘friends’ weren’t just making drama..
Cloud went on & on about how nice and a friend to many Your Tyson was @ school.
My heart goes out to your family & friends.
Dear Karen and John, and to your family.
Our sincerest condolences. We pray for comfort in your memories of Tyler.
I did not know your son but he sounds like he was an amazing young man.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Keeping his family and friends in prayer for comfort today and going forward
John and Karen, my condolence to you all on the passion of Tyson . I’m sorry to hear of that this is Bill Leding from UPS freight overnight transportation God give you all comfort and understanding during this time. God bless Bill leding
Chris and Marlene, so sad to here of Tyson’s death. Know my prayers are for your healing and calm that only our Lord can provide. May his presence in your heart give you peace in this sad time. Your sincere friend, Marty.
Chris and Marlene, I was so heartbroken for both of you when I heard about Tyson. I’m only a phone call away if you need anything. Love and prayers. Diana.
I am so sorry for your loss I was one of Tysons classmates he was very kind and funny from the time I’ve known him. Prayers to the family
Chris and Marlene, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Tyler.
May he rest in peace with our Lord. Thoughts and prayers to you both and your family.
Marlene, Chris and Family — I was so sorry to hear of Tyson’s death. Sending prayers that God will comfort all of you during this difficult time.
Marlene and Chris
So sorry for your loss. Deb and I have been thinking of you and Chris and know you gave such a loving home for Tyson. Please know we’ll be thinking of you in the coming days.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Dear Family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your son. We do care and share your grief and will continue keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Marlene and Chris,
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of Tyson’s accident and the loss of your son.
Prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Marlene and Chris,
My prayers have been with you in this horrific time of suffering. Hope, light and love will come to you in many ways. Sending love from Iowa, glenda