James Orvall Shannon

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Mr. James Orvall Shannon, 85, a resident of Blytheville, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., passed away Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, in the Heritage Square Nursing Center in Blytheville.

Born June 12, 1925, in Hickman, to the late Walter H. and Ruth Brewer Shannon, James lived in St. Louis most of his life, where he was an engineer for the United Technologies Company for 35 years. For the past five years, he lived in Blytheville with his daughter. He was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church in Steele. He was married to Virginia Oliphant Shannon Reeder, who preceded him in death.

Three sons, William, James and Danny Shannon; one brother, Lindy Shannon; and two sisters, Mozell Hunt and Fannie Shaw preceded Mr. Shannon in death.

He leaves five sons and four daughters-in-law, Herbert and Carol Shannon of St. Peters, Mo., Thomas and Naomi Shannon of O'Fallon, Mo., Joseph and Diana Shannon and Douglas and Barbara Shannon all of Lonedell, Mo., and Kenneth Shannon of Eureka, Mo.;

Four daughters and three sons-in-law, Ruth Batchelor of St. Louis, Rosalind and Anthony Akridge of Imperial, Mo., Shirly and Matt O'Neil of Blytheville and Gaydean and Johnny Kirby of Peyton, Mo.;

Two sisters, Helen Johnson and Audrey Oatsvall, both of East Prairie, Mo.; and

Twenty-four grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Friends may visit the family from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday at the Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. in the Shelby Chapel with Bro. Mike Johnson and Bro. Jeremy Damesworth officiating. Burial will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery with Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie in charge of arrangements.