Shelby Dane King 1939-2026

One of Ridgecrest, Indian Wells Valley and the state’s leading contractors for the last 52 years, Mr. Shelby Dane King, 87, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away peacefully at his home on August 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He has now embarked on his final flight, this one to Heaven, to be with his family members and friends who preceded him. Born on July 12, 1939, in Swifton, Arkansas, Shelby, who was raised by his mother and grandmother, moved to Ridgecrest when he was 15-years old. Shelby made Ridgecrest his lifelong home and his community -- his passion, to serve as faithfully as he could. Mr. King graduated from Burroughs High School in 1957 and upon graduation he began working for the local school district. As a young adult he became one of the first-ever Ridgecrest Police Officers. He dutifully served the city he loved for 12 years, when his attention was drawn to the business / contactor world. He and two other friends founded Valley Fence Company in 1974. Shelby eventually bought out his partners and to this day thousands of properties behold his company’s name plate on their fences, all-the-while countless miles of California highways and interstates are lined with guardrail and fence his company erected over the years. The company has since been renamed Sierra Fence, but to this day residents call the business asking, “Is this Valley Fence?” Of course, because of Shelby, there will always be Valley Fence’s soul present within the business. Shelby could not have done all this alone as he had his bride of 53-plus years by his side; at home and in business. Shelby met Carol Dean Cline at Ridgecrest’s Midway Café, and they later married on November 7, 1973. Their combined families produced a total of seven kids, six boys and a girl. Shelby and Carol share 25 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. Shelby and Carol enjoyed traveling together, especially in their RV traveling across the United States and Mexico, along with special visits to family in Alaska. Shelby also loved to fly his favorite airplane during his free time. Shelby is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Dean King; his children, Jerry Dane King, Kathleen Lynn Lewis (Ronnie), Allen (Sonny) Dean Baker and Don Joe King (Linda); and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen King and June Britt; his brother, Butch Dallaba; and his beloved children, Allan Price King, Michael Lee King, and Rodger Alan Baker.