Francis Shannon Obituary

Shannon, Francis Howard Died November 9, 2016 of Parkinson's related complications. He was born February 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. and Florence (Howard) Shannon, their first of 8 children, 2 of whom died shortly after birth. Raised in Franklin Park, IL (population about 1300 then), well-schooled, disciplined and tightly-wrapped by Franciscan nuns at St. Gertrude Grade School; Viatorian and Servite priests and brothers at St. Philip H.S. (deceased); and 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 November 16, 1957 of Rockford, IL at St. Gertrude Church, Franklin Park. She was the heart of the family. Blessed with unique and wonderful children, Brian and Ericka (Palmer), Lynn, Frank M. and Julie (Naggs), Alan and Scott (Keller), Carol and Todd (Lohenry); grandchildren, Katie, Stephanie, Christopher, (Francis) Ryan, Ian (Haney), Keegan, Colin, Quinlan, Caleb, Connor, Cormac, Corry, Walter; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Aaron, Brooklyn and Wesley; siblings, Kathleen (Subaitis), Barbara (O'Neill), Jean and (Frank) Cupp, Peggy and Jimmy; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins. Longtime friend of Bill W. Visitation 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 14 and Tuesday 9:30 a.m. until time of Service 10:00 a.m. at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. Interment private. Info: 708-383-3191 or drechslerbrownwilliams.com