Harley Shannon's Obituary
Harley Van Shannon, son of Harley Wayne “Dock” and Mary Vivian Upshaw Shannon was born February 28, 1930 near Drury, Missouri. He departed this life April 17, 2010 in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 19 days.
On September 5, 1959 he was united in marriage to Norma Shirley Rader. To this union three sons were born. He is preceded in death by his father, and his sister, Barbara Stapp.
He is survived by his loving wife, Norma, of the home, three sons, Doug Shannon and his wife, Robin, Mountain Grove, Missouri; Joe Shannon and his wife, Debbie, Denlow, Missouri and Danny Shannon and wife Deanna of Mountain Grove, Missouri. His mother, Mary Vivian Shannon of Mountain Grove, Missouri; Eleven grandchildren, Matt and his wife, Christina, Nathan, Josh, Christopher, J.D., Holly, Austyn, Walker, Erica, Holly and Tasha. Also surviving are his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, who were all very special to him, as well as several other relatives and friends.
Harley Van hauled his first load of cattle to St. Louis at age 17. After high school he served his country faithfully in the United States Marines, stationed in Hawaii. After he returned home from his military service, he worked throughout his life in agriculture. In 1957 until the late 60’s, Dock and Harley Van owned and operated the Douglas County Livestock Auction and began his career as a successful farmer and stockman--a tradition now carried on by his sons. He later owned and operated the Shannon Plant Food Feed and Fertilizer Co. and continued to build his own farm and stock operation. He served on the Board of Directors of Boatmen’s Bank in the 1980’s. At the time of his death, Harley Van attended the First Christian Church in Mountain Grove, Missouri.
He was widely known as a man of integrity. He lived in a world where a business transaction was handled with a “handshake and a smile.” He loved spending time with his family and friends. As the years passed he never missed an opportunity to play a joke on a friend or stranger and reminisce of “simpler” times. He never lost his love for the farm or being outdoors and was always ready to spend time with family and good friends. In his later years he enjoyed taking long drives to check his cattle and view the countryside-- his favorite drive was weekly trips to the sale barn in Ava.
Harley Van will be remembered as a caring husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Friends may pay their respects starting at 10:00 a.m. Monday in the First Christian Church in Mountain Grove.
Funeral services for Mr. Harley Van Shannon will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010 in the First Christian Church, Mountain Grove, Missouri. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m. Monday evening in the First Christian Church in Mountain Grove.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund in care of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home at 320 South Adams Avenue, Lebanon, Missouri 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri.
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