09/08/2026
We love you Gary! Our prayers are with Connie and her family during this time🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 We were all so blessed to have Gary in our lives! Rest in Peace dear friend!💙
Our condolences to the family and friends of Gary Shannon
Gary Lee Shannon, 78, of Paw Paw passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 6, 2026, after a short illness at Kishwaukee Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. The Shannon family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and compassion shown during this time of grief.
Every life tells a story and Gary Shannon’s was filled with caring and kindness. Born to James and Celesta (Gross) Shannon in Springfield, Missouri on September 25, 1947, Gary’s first chapters were spent traveling throughout Kansas, North Dakota, and Missouri. Gary’s family settled in Paw Paw, IL when he was in fourth grade where Gary put down roots and grew into a strong young man, becoming a valued part of the Bulldog’s High School football team. Love blossomed between Gary and Connie Gaines. They were high school sweethearts who married in January of 1965, remaining together for over sixty-one years.
Gary leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Connie; daughters Cynthia (Nat) Shannon-Hutchison, Cassandra (Gaylon) Clayton, and Jennifer (Chuck) Hendren; grandchildren Alicia (Nathan) McAtee, Jordan (Alexis) Hendren, Tara Hendren, Charlotte Clayton, Tess (Reid Sartain) Clayton and, Benji Clayton; great-grandchildren Lorene McAtee, and Calvin Hendren. Siblings James (Athena) Shannon, Mary Suddeth, Vicki Doughty, Sally (Lyle) Rankin, Michael (Christen) Shannon and sister-in-law Cheryl (Bill Hicks) Gaines; a host of extended and chosen family, and pets Snoopy and Inky. Gary was a well-loved father figure to many. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Gregory and Roger.
Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who deeply cherished spending quality time with family and friends. Connie and Gary treasured relationships they built with numerous foreign exchange students over the years. Gary appreciated all kinds of music and exploring the natural world; he was an avid outdoorsman who loved horses, camping, fishing, motorcycling, and travel. A hardworking, conscientious person with a strong sense of responsibility, Gary was a kind person who shared his time, talent, and skills with quiet generosity.Gary was a union pipefitter for 42 years and a proud member of Pipefitters Local 597.
Five years ago, Gary was a recipient of a kidney transplant; please consider becoming an organ donor.
Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, 370 Wiley Avenue in Paw Paw.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church with Pastor Jon Hayag officiating. Cremation care will be provided following the services and a private interment will take place in Wyoming Township Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paw Paw Fire Department. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
