John Thomas Shannon, 79, formerly of Fremont, OH, a descendant of the first white settlers in Sandusky County, OH, died in Brooksville, FL on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. He was born March 5, 1940 in Fremont, OH to Oliver P. and Marjorie M. (Carnicom) Shannon. He was a 1958 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. John joined the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduation. He was a Marksmanship Instructor and member of the Hawaiian Marine Rifle Team. He was classified as “Master” by the NRA with the High Power Rifle and was a Life and Founding Member of the Marine Corps web site: togetherweserved.com.
In November 1962, he married Mary Ellen (Agee) of Lindsey, OH at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Fremont, OH. In 1964 John graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He was a Funeral Director and Embalmer for many years in Wolcottville, IN, and Miami, FL. In 1971 he joined the Miami Police Department and retired in 1991 with the rank of Sergeant. After his retirement, he spent many years as a Hospice Volunteer in South Florida.
John was a proud member of The Marine Corps Association, American Legion, Calvin George Post #37 in Madison, GA, Fraternal Order of Police, Walter E. Headley Jr. Lodge #20, Miami, FL, Miami Police Benevolent Association, Miami Retired Fire & Police Association, Miami Police Veterans Association, Madison Artist Guild, Georgia Watercolor Society, and the NRA. He was an amateur radio operator for many years, holding the call W4SZD, and a member of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club.
John was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Carol Ann Berlekamp, Sidney, OH.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Mary Elle Shannon; daughters, Tami Sue Dollar, SW Ranches, FL, Cathy Ann Covone, Cooper City, FL, Jennifer Lynn Martin, Tampa, FL and one son, Brian Palmer Shannon, SW Ranches or wherever the “surf is up”; four grandchildren, “Grandpa’s buddies”, Chris Michael (Jordan) Shannon of Avon Park, FL and Anthony John (AJ) of Cooper City and “PawPaw’s” two sweethearts, Shannon Martin (born on his birthday) and Makenzy (Mac) Martin both of Tampa, FL; one great grandson, Tucker Thomas Shannon and one great granddaughter, Anniston Lee Shannon, of Avon Park, FL; brother, Jerry Shannon, Wahpeton, ND, Brother-in-Law Dr. Robert Agee, Hidden Hills, CA, and Sister-in-Law Barbara Smith of Norwalk, OH.
John was an unapologetic patriot and loved his country and those that served her. Political Correctness did not exist in John’s world and it shouldn’t be in yours either. He told it like it is. He touched many lives and told his wife to thank all those whose lives touched his. God, Country, Corps and Family was what he lived by—as etched on his gravestone “See you all on the other side”.
Visitation will be Friday, August 9, 2019, from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH.
Service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2019, 1:00 pm, with one hour of visitation at the funeral home prior to the service, Pastor Scott Mauch officiating.
Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, Fremont, OH with Military Honors.
Memorials in memory of John should be made to the Hospice of your choice or the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. Or you would be doing John and your loved ones a favor by replacing your sitting Congressman/woman and Senator or President if they are not living up to the standards set forth by our Founding Fathers—Semper Fi. May God bless America. “The universe wastes nothing—it just transforms”
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Sandra HOOVER
John was one of a kind, never wasting words, but direct
and Honest to make his point! One of my Beloved Classmates, Mary Ellen, chose to be his wife, mother to his children, but became a Devoted caregiver in his final years.
It was my Honor to know you John. Enjoy your Peaceful time with God, but hopefully you and Fred behave yourselves! Sandi Howard Hoover
Joan Smith
This describes John so well. Max and I knew John and Maryellen when I was attending Toledo Hospital School of Nursing. We kept in contact over the years as our lives took different directions. We always enjoyed our times together in Ohio, Indiana, and Florida. John was a man of few words who had strong convictions. He sometimes had a gruff way about him but to anyone who really knew him, he had a very kind and compassionate heart. One very special memory for me was when he and Maryellen
came to Paris Island for My grandson`s graduation from the Marine Corp. John was a Marine thru and thru. My sympathy to your entire family, he will be missed but always with you, and I can see he and Max greeting each other in Heaven and having a few laughs….always remembered..
Joan Smith
I met John when Maryellen and I were in Nursing school. He and my husband made
quick friends and we enjoyed many good times as couples over the years. This obituary describes John well. He had strong convictions and lived by them. A special memory for our family was when John and Maryellen surprised us and attended my grandson`s graduation from the Marine corps at Paris Island. John was a marine thru and thru. He could sometimes have a gruff demeanor but had a heart filled with kindness and compassion. He will be missed, but be with you always, as you remember who he was and what he taught you. I can see John and my husband sharing a few stories in heaven, a picture I would cherish. ..my sympathy to all of you.
Katie Chafin
My most sincere condolences to the entire family in this time of loss. The strength and love exhibited by you all will help heal your hearts in time. John left his mark on this world which is saying a lot. Strong convictions of fairness, family and patriotic duties are part of his legacy. God Bless you all.
Judy Gangwer
Mary Ellen and family,
I was very sorry to learn of John’s passing. My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you and your family. May family and friends give you the strength you need to get through the days ahead. God Bless.
Bob & Mel GAVETTE
Our heartfelt thoughts and prays to MaryEllen and the Shannon family.
Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord.
And let the perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen
Joe Longueira, President, Miami Police Benevolent Association
My condolences to the Shannon Family. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to MaryEllen and the family. John was an accomplished member of the Miami Police Department and respected by his peers and the community.
Randall Natale
Shannon Family,
I have been friends with John’s son Brian since I was a little boy, Brian and I went to school together and played sports together, and fished together. One day Brian and I were in my little fishing boat and Brian caught a nice size bass, a couple of weeks later when I went to the Shannon house they had the bass mounted on the wall, with a picture of Brian and me holding the bass. John was amazing like that, so cool, so welcoming. Brian and I were on the same football team and John would take pictures of us, still today Brian has the best pictures of anyone I know, because of Johns photography. Brian was so proud that his father was a Marine, plus John had big respect in Palm Springs North, because everyone new Brian’s dad was a Police Officer. John did his best to keep us out of trouble, Brian and I were teenagers at one time, and John was always around. He would take care of us, as long as we were doing the right things. Brian and his dad were best friends, they would shoot guns together, take pictures together and much more. Brian was with his dad till the vary end. Brian told me the people of Fremont, Ohio are so nice, he also told me we are going to be having a celebration of life, a fun positive time. I live here in San Francisco, CA., I am getting on a plane here in a few hours, headed to Fremont Ohio, see you soon.
Love,
Randall Natale
Libba Holmes
Mary Ellen, You and your family are on my mind and in my prayers this week. I wish I knew what words to use to bring comfort at this difficult time. Please know that loving thoughts are coming your way. Libba
Shari Ball
Sincere condolences to Mary Ellen and family. May warm and loving memories comfort you in the following days.
Love,
Shari Ball
Barbara Callahan
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for your family. You will always have your memories
as you walk this new path in your life.
Lisa & Michael Hunadi
Offering Condolences to Mary Ellen & family.
Sending prayers your way. May you cherish the many memories you had with John forever and may it give you comfort in this time of sorrow.