Francis Howard Shannon died Nov. 9, 2016 of Parkinson’s related complications. He was born Feb. 6, 1933, during a snowstorm, a depression baby, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago, at the hands of the chain-smoking, house-calling, incomparable Dr. George Moxon, to the heroic parents: Frank R. & Florence (Howard) Shannon, their first of 8 children, 2 of whom died shortly after birth.
Raised in Franklin Park, IL (pop. about 1300 then), well-schooled, disciplined and tightly-wrapped by Franciscan nuns at St. Gertrude Grade School; Viatorian & Servite priests & brothers at St. Philip H.S. (deceased); & Jesuits at Marquette University. Joined U.S. Army following riotous partying on St. Patrick Day 1952; valiantly fought Battle of Juarez while in the Army at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX. Married Joyce Gehlhausen Nov. 16, 1957 of Rockford, IL at St. Gertrude Church, Franklin Park. She was the heart of the family.
Blessed with unique & wonderful children: Brian & Ericka (Palmer), Lynn, Frank M. & Julie (Naggs), Alan & Scott (Keller), Carol & Todd (Lohenry) & grandchildren: Katie, Stephanie, Christopher, (Francis) Ryan, Ian (Haney), Keegan, Colin, Quinlan, Caleb, Connor, Cormac, Corry, Walter & great grandchildren: Cameron, Aaron, Brooklyn & Wesley. Siblings: Kathleen (Subaitis), Barbara (O’Neill), Jean & (Frank) Cupp, Peggy & Jimmy. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins.
Longtime friend of Bill W.
Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, November 14 and Tuesday 9:30 a.m. until time of Service 10 a.m. at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. Interment private.
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Visitation
14
Nov
203 South Marion Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
Visitation
15
Nov
203 South Marion Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
Funeral Service
15
Nov
203 South Marion Street
Oak Park, IL 60302