Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

3825 Airport Road

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Shelby Back Obituary

Shelby Back, a Christian cowboy and family man, peacefully joined the Lord our Savior on December 1, 2015 surrounded by his family. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend was born in Dale, Kentucky on June 24, 1931 to Lucinda and Chester Back. Long time resident of Colorado Springs, Calhan, and Rush, he graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1950, and served on the board of directors for Farm Credit and Federal Land Bank, was General Manager for Yellow Freight, owned a drywall business , farmed and ranched for more than 40 years in Eastern Colorado. Devoted husband is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia, three children, Larry Back, Connie Phipps, and Steve Back, siblings, Pauline Towner, Thelda Bailey, Freda Peck, and Finley Back, five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and numerous friends.

Viewing: Memorial Gardens Cemetery 3825 Airport Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, December 7, 2015 from 1:00-3:00 pm.Funeral Services: Memorial Gardens Cemetery 3825 Airport Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 December 8, 2015 at 10:00 am followed by a reception at Church at the Ranches 3685 Jeannine Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80917.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Hospital, American Heart Association, Church at the Ranches.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Dec. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Shelby Back

Not sure what to say?





Amanda Stuke

December 20, 2015

To the entire Back family,
I got to know Shelby while his wife Sylvia was in the Care Center in Hugo. I am totally heartbroken to hear of Shelby's passing. He was always such a joy to talk to when he would visit her. I am so blessed to have known him if even for a short time. My thoughts and prayers are with his lovely wife Sylvia, his kids, grand kids and the rest of his family. Enjoy ranching in the heavens Shelby. You will be dearly missed.

Denniece White

December 18, 2015

Hello Larry and the Back family, I was thinking of your father this morning and looked out the window of our office and saw his smile. I went to this web site and was able to look at the pictures of your dad and mom and had to shed some more tears. Again as you all know he will be missed by me and so many others here at the center (RMCC) because he was one of our biggest and brightest hearts and we had so much love for him. Hope you all are staying strong and loving one another and know the Back family will always be in my thoughts.

Denniece W.

Ken Goldsberry (ex CSU Prof)

December 12, 2015

Sylvia... I do not recall you and Shelby attending any of the Colo. Spgs High School reunions and it sure would have been nice to become acquainted with you folks. For some unknown reason he was listed in the Bashful Senior section and did not have a picture in the 1950 annual. Based the entries of so many people, his classmates sure missed an opportunity to share a few stories and laughs with a great gentleman. You will be phoned in the near future... Our prayers are with the family... CSHS Class of 1950

December 8, 2015

With deepest sympathy and loving memories of a very nice man. I loved to visit with him, he always had time to stop and say hello. Our thoughts and prayers to all. Randy and Tena McElvain

kim Solberg

December 8, 2015

What a legacy, worked many Cattle at the Back ranch had great memories with Jerry & Larry Back my deepest sympathy to all the Back Family. Love the Solberg's

Jeanne (Payne) Fears

December 8, 2015

What a wonderful man. Always had a smile and such a positive outlook. He will be missed. The last time I saw him, we sat and visited for about 15 minutes. I will treasure that visit. Prayers for all of the family.

Denise and Steve Walsh

December 7, 2015

He was a wonderful friend! We will really miss his wonderful sense of humor and his heart felt hugs! He always loved our children and they loved him so much also. Please God surround this family with your love!!!!❤ the Walsh's

Randy and Terri Thomas

December 7, 2015

Shelby was someone for whom we had great respect for so many reasons. He was caring, wise, and humorous. He had great love and dedication for his family. He had a love for the Lord, and a love for the life he had been given. It was always a joy to be around him. Our prayer are with his family.

Jeanne Heck

December 6, 2015

Mike and I are so sorry about Shelby. I have such great memories of flying and going out to the ranch. Shelby and Sylvia's great personalities and joyful laughter made me feel like one of the family.

King Family

December 5, 2015

We are so lucky for the opportunity to know Shelby and his family. He never seemed to know a stranger and had the best smile, laugh and always a hug. Rest in peace dear Shelby

American Heart Association

December 4, 2015

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Teresa Steers

December 4, 2015

My prayers are with all the family. Shelby was a sweet man. Always friendly, smiling and always gave hugs. God Bless.

Kristin Beck

December 4, 2015

I always loved seeing Shelby, and his never wavering smile. Such a nice man. Always a gentleman. RIP Shelby, you will be missed. Prayers for the family.

Laurie-Anne Looper

December 4, 2015

I sure will miss Shelby. He was always a smile and a hug!! God Bless Sylvia, take care.

December 4, 2015

Aunt Sylvia,
I am so sorry for the loss of Uncle Shelby. He was such a big personality with a warm laugh. I appreciate you posting the pictures. I think I recognize the cousins. My sympathies to the whole family.
Pam (Viebrock) Astolfi

Helen & Dick Looper

December 4, 2015

It is with great sorrow that we learn that our dear Friend Shelby has passed away. He was a wonderful Christian and great friend to all that knew him as he knew no stranger. We will miss him terribly as will his family and all that knew him. May he rest in peace.

Shirley (Rudd) Smith

December 4, 2015

We are so very sorry to hear of Shelby's passing, he was a very special man. I can see that big smile and hear his laugh. He had a very big heart and so much love for his family and everyone that knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Love from your Rudd Family cousins.

December 3, 2015

I am very sorry for your loss. Please keep leaning on God, because he is away there to comfort you PSALMS 91:2

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Shelby Back's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Shelby Back

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910

How to support Shelby's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Shelby Back's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more