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Shay Heilman Obituary
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July 22, 2021
I miss you buddy.
June 16, 2017
Thinking of you, Shay, as your 28th birthday is approaching. I love you and miss you!
Grandma Sharon Heilman
Tyler Knopp
August 28, 2015
I miss you big bro. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you rest in peace
Sequoyah
June 28, 2014
It'll be five years without you in about two weeks, and all I can say is that the time flies. I swear it's only felt like two or three years. I will be graduating high school this year, and you would have already graduated at Missouri State University. Everyone, including myself, could never forget you and we miss you so much; but I'm sure you know that, sweet boy. I love you Shay, I'll try to drop by more often. Fly high, sweet angel.
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July 26, 2012
Three years have passed since you left us, Shay. You are so loved and missed.
Grandma
December 9, 2011
Shay, Zack and Renee had a baby boy this week and named him Ryder Shay! We all love and miss you, sweet baby Shay.
Grandma
August 28, 2011
Dear Shay, I SO miss you and love yu. RIP, sweet baby. 25 months have passed without you.
Grandma
December 23, 2010
Our second Christmas without you, Shay. Almost 17 months ago. I love you, miss you, and think and cry about you every day!! I'll never get over your loss! Grandma
October 26, 2010
Shay, thinking of you always. Miss you so much. And love you, sweet Baby Shay.
September 25, 2010
Shay, 14 whole months without you tomorrow. I love you so much and miss you SO much!! Grandma
tyler knopp (lil bro)
August 1, 2010
i miss you so much shayster. i cant even believe it buddy. love you so much. i just want you to know how much you mean to me. ill see you when i get there buddy
July 25, 2010
Shay, tomorrow is the first anniversary of your untimely death. I'm so thankful for the 20 years we had with you; but I miss you SO much!! And I love you SO much. Grandma
June 20, 2010
Shay, tomorrow will be your 21st birthday, June 21. Please know you are loved and missed!! Grandma
April 30, 2010
Shay, the Parkway North Choir performed a piece written in your memory last night. Your Dad and I attended the Spring Concert. It was very well done! I love you, precious Shay.
April 26, 2010
Shay, I think of you and cry for you each day. Nine months now. I love you, sweet Baby Shay. Grandma
April 13, 2010
We miss you Shay, sweet Shay.
February 26, 2010
My precious Shay: it's now been seven months since you left us. You are deeply loved and will never be forgotten. I miss you so much! Grandma
February 12, 2010
Shay, You are in our thoughts and hearts. Keep watch over us. Love, your sis.
February 3, 2010
I'm always thinking of you shay, I wish you could be here in person but I know your here in spirit,I miss hearing your voice, its been too long. I know your in good hands with god. Just know Im thinking about you and praying for you everyday.
your friend.
January 26, 2010
Now six months since you left us, Shay. I so wish you could be with us. I love you and miss you so much. Grandma
January 1, 2010
It's a New Year, Shay. Rest in Peace, sweet baby. Grandma
December 26, 2009
Shay, five months without you. I am so sad. I love you and miss you. Grandma
December 21, 2009
My precious Shay - know that I am thinking of you always. I love you and miss you, Baby Shay. Grandma
December 5, 2009
Miss isn't even to describe the way I feel right now Shay. I miss you so much, I don't even know another word to describe it. But I know you'll always be in everyone's heart, and thats what we have left. Love you. Sequoyah <3
November 26, 2009
Shay, I know I need to be thankful for the 20 years you were with us, and I am; but I want you back so bad! Grandma
November 21, 2009
I am thinking of you Shay. We all love you.
November 17, 2009
Shay, I again miss you so much today. I love you, sweet Baby Shay. Grandma
November 7, 2009
Oh, Shay, I miss you especially today. I just want you back with us. I miss my beautiful grandson. Grandma
October 28, 2009
Shay Gunner Heilman - 6.21.1989 - 7.26.2009 - RIP I miss you SO much. Grandma
October 18, 2009
You are in our thoughts Shay. We love and miss you
October 10, 2009
Shay, I've been praying to help make sure Mom's okay. I have always been remembering you and praying. Thanks for the memories you gave. And all the lesson I've learnt from you. I love you so much and can't wait to see you once agian. Where we can be together has brother and sister.
With love,
Sequoyah
October 8, 2009
Shay Gunner Heilman - RIP, my beloved grandson.
tyler knopp
October 4, 2009
until we meet again shayster. love you so much.
October 3, 2009
God bless you Shay. I am thinking of you
September 25, 2009
Shay, my dear sweet grandson, tomorrow will be two months since you left us. You cannot know how sad I am that you are gone. Forever is so long. I love you, my beloved Baby Shay. Grandma
September 22, 2009
shay even though i did not know u that well i hope you find peace in the after life. And may your memory always remain in our hearts and minds
tyler knopp
September 19, 2009
me and sarah miss you big bro. i think about you everyday
September 16, 2009
We are thinking of you Shay, God bless you
September 6, 2009
God Bless you Shay Gunner, we love you.
September 5, 2009
We love you and are thinking of you Shay. Love your sis, Sequoyah and Mom.
August 28, 2009
We are thinking of you, Shay Gunner. Love you Shay Shay. Love Sequoyah
August 23, 2009
Your in our thoughts and prayers Shay, God bless you. Sequoyah
tyler
August 22, 2009
miss you forever big bro. cant stop thinking about you. i see you in my dreams and in myself. love you forever little buddy
August 22, 2009
Rest in peace& GOD bless you Shay Granpa
August 21, 2009
Amen. Grandma
August 21, 2009
This guest book for Shay, was purchased and will remain online permanent when you visit on the Peoria Journal Star. Not sure why it's not showing purchased on St Louis site.
Love you Shay, you are in our hearts.
August 21, 2009
Love you Little Buddy
August 16, 2009
I love you Shay Gunner.
August 14, 2009
Shay, you have left such a void in our lives that can never be filled. You are missed so much and loved.
Grandma, or as you always wrote, Gramal
August 13, 2009
I know Shay will always be remebered. Exspecially through me. Even though we were only half brother and sister I've had alot of great times with him. Since he's passed away many strange things have happened to me. Even though we were apart that made us even closer. We talked recently before he died, and many memories came back to me including when he gave me his first Sega Game System when I was only 2 1/2, when we would eat radishes and rubarb, and when he gave me my favorite stuffed Poo Bear to this very day! I'll always miss my Shay Shay.
Sequoyah[Sissy]
August 13, 2009
I am so pleased to see the love that Shay gave & received through these many kind words. Grandpa Gary
August 11, 2009
Todd,
You have my sincere condolences. I only heard about Shay today, as I was out of town with no news available the last week of July.
Anne Mongiovi
Tracey Curtis
August 6, 2009
SGH--RIP
My sister and 2 nephews loved you so
I'm certain I would have too.
To Shay's father. There are no words.
So very sorry for your loss.
Annie Ngo
August 5, 2009
It's much too soon..Shay was a good kid and he'll be missed by many. I wasn't close to him nor was I in his "circle of friends" but just knowing him since middle school I feel like I could call him a friend. His ability to bring smiles and laughter to everyone will truly be missed, and I'm sad to realize that I won't get witness the man he becomes at our 10 year reunion.
The last memory I have of Shay was in english class senior year. And if i remember correctly, he mentioned of his father having high expectations for him and from that class period on, he vowed to be a better student and to make his dad proud.
I'm glad to have known Shay; he was a sweet kid. May he rest in peace.
Colleen Kilian
August 5, 2009
To Shay's Family:
I was lucky enough to meet Shay when he became friends with my younger sister. I was just about to begin student teaching at Parkway North when I found out Shay would be a sophomore there. On my first day, I was of course nervous because some of these sophomores looked older than me. Shay came up to me on that first day and told me that if anyone gave me trouble, I should let him know and he would take care of it. I will always remember this. That is the kind of person Shay was. He was always helping out others. He was a good person who left us too soon, and he will be missed.
August 5, 2009
Hi Todd,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had shay in my childcare class in Peoria IL.
He was s great kid!
Kellie Hayden
Kountry Kids
Mary Joyce
August 5, 2009
Todd - I just heard about this from Eyan. I can't believe it, and we are all very sorry for this terrible loss. Shay was a joy to be with and we will all miss him dearly. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I'm sure this has been an incredibly difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. Fondly, Mary Joyce & Eyan Mullet
Cyndi Curnutte
August 5, 2009
To Todd and Family-
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I had the opportunity to view the video on youtube and see how caring, enthusiastic and funny he was, like his dad. Time will heal the pains that ache so much right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and until the pain has healed. A little billboard saying:
A Heart
Races
A Heart
Melts
A Heart
Loves
A Heart
Breaks
A Heart
Heals
Sincerely,
Cyndi & Todd Curnutte
Donna Werner
August 4, 2009
I am out of town and just learned about your loss. I am stunned. And I am so sorry. Shay was in my online class this summer at Meramec and he was just a delight to talk to and work with. What a remarkable young man and what a tremendous loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tina Mann
August 3, 2009
Todd:
I just heard from Kenna Weber of the loss of your son and I am so sorry for your loss. While I didn't know your son, I know what a good father and person YOU are, and my heart goes out to you.
May the peace of the everlasting spirit and the love of your many friends surround you and support you now.
Tina Mann, MU
Kenna Weber
August 3, 2009
My most sincere and heart felt sympathies to Todd and his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jessica Brownfield
August 3, 2009
Just learned of your loss. I'm so very sorry to hear of this tragedy. My heart aches for you, your family and friends. Thinking of you in this very difficult time...
Tiger
August 2, 2009
Todd, I can't express how sorry i am. You are one of the best people ive ever known. I know your son was just as wild and rowdy as i was as a child, and i know that you were just as understanding. I also know that he must have grown to be the genuinely good man that his father was. I only hope if im a good enough person ill get to see him again, god bless both of you!
Kimala Larson
August 1, 2009
Dear Todd AND Nickola: There is NO DOUBT that Shay was LOVED by many! There are NO WORDS that could even express how I truly feel. You BOTH are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you may find comfort in knowing that the LORD has called Shay HOME for a much greater purpose than the one he had here on Earth. Stay strong and have comfort in knowing that we will ALL see Shay again some day!!
Deb Haywood C.I. Select
July 31, 2009
Todd, you have been in my thoughts since hearing the news. My daughter also graduated in 2007, and I cannot imagine what you must be feeling right now. Please remember all the people offering their support and prayers and I hope it will help, in some way. Take care of yourself.
Sheryl (Oney) Roos
July 31, 2009
Dear Todd, Gary & Sharon,
Just heard the sad news from Dad, he wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you during your loss.
Todd Heilman
July 31, 2009
Dear friends, family and others who have posted here:
Thank you all so much for your wonderful, warm, kind and loving words of support. Shay was a very special and unique person. He was loved by so many and touched so many people in his short 20 years. I will never get over losing him.
I will continue to read posts here each day. If any of you care to contact me directly, my e-mail is [email protected]. My cell phone is 314.640. 6521. Weekends and evenings are best and I am typically up late (12 or 1 am).
Thank you all so much again for your support.
Todd Heilman
Rana Muminoglu
July 30, 2009
Dear Shay, I will miss you - the one and only "little fella". You have been truly special.
Dear Todd, words are not sufficent anymore.. Just know that I will always be here to talk whenever you want.
Lou Kilian
July 30, 2009
To Shay's Family,
You don't know me but my daughter, Erin, was a very good friend of Shay's. They have known each other for about six years and she considered Shay one of her very best friends. Shay was always smiling, always polite, with a wonderful quirky personality. When Shay was a sophomore at Parkway North, my older daughter was student teaching there. Shay told her that if anyone gave her any trouble, she should let him know and he would take care of them. He was a bright shooting star that came down too soon. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered. Our hearts go out to you for the great loss you have suffered.
Deni Bouillon
July 29, 2009
I can only imagine the loss of a son and my heart goes out to you. Shay will be missed by everyone, and I can tell he will live on in spirit among his friends Our blessings, the Bouillon Family (Seven Pines)
Kay Jones
July 29, 2009
Dear Sharon, Todd and all family members, My heart goes out to you during this unimaginable time of sorrow. As I read the postings, it is easy to see that you all raised Shay up to be a wonderful young man. I knew him as a little guy and Sharon just beamed as she would update me from time to time. Shay must have felt immense love from you all as he apparently smiled his way through life and brought joy to others. God is listening to him now and they are smiling together... and God is wrapping his arms around each of you so very tightly. I am praying for each of you as you take life one minute at a time for now and I pray that you will slowly but surely begin to find reasons to smile again. With deep deep sympathy,
Kim Caldwell
July 29, 2009
Todd, my heart is breaking for you. Shay was way too young to leave you so soon. I am holding you in a vision of light and love and praying for your healing.
Kim Caldwell
Leah Ancona
July 29, 2009
Todd,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. You both will be in my prayers and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. You have always been the best and I can only assume your son was too as you always spoke so highly of him. Stay strong.
Crystal Lopez
July 29, 2009
Shay was a customer of mine and was always full of a contagious joy. We will miss him dearly and will be praying for your family.
Holly Elliott
July 29, 2009
I didn't know Shay nor do I know anyone in his family or circle of friends, but the rippling effect of this loss is felt nonetheless. As an Old Farm Estates resident, Seven Pines is a route I take almost daily. I have seen his friends there, alone and in gatherings, as they try to come to grips with his sudden absence and, through that absence, life forever changed. Living on in your memories, Shay will always be near. To his family and friends -- my heart feels and shares your sadness; you are in my prayers.
July 29, 2009
Todd, I met Shay at your dad's b-day party in Shawnee, he was a loving a caring kid, who enjoyed life to the fullest. He was my daughter's dear friend. You will be in our prayers. Olivia New, Shawnee, OK
Jennifer Phillips
July 29, 2009
Todd,
I was truly heart broken to hear of your sons passing. I can't even imagine your pain. There are no words that can make that pain go away. Just remember the happy times and hold on to your memories and trust in the Lord to comfort you.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Jennifer Phillips
Lee Kaufman & CO
July 29, 2009
Todd,
I was truly heart broken to hear about your son. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you and your family. No words can heal your pain. Remember all of the happy times and hold on to your memories.
My deepest sympathy,
Jennifer Phillips
Lee Kaufman & CO.
Blake Bunton
July 29, 2009
Shay, you were a great guy who put a smile on everyones face. I know I have some stories to tell that will make others smile. Love you man, watch out for us but most importantly look after your family. R.I.P.
July 28, 2009
Todd,
So many of us have been talking about the class reunion and full of joy to see each other. This was not the news that any parent wants to hear. I am so sorry for you lost. Your old friends from school are here for you if you need us. I will keep you in my prayers. Beverly Hammitt Tesch
July 28, 2009
Todd and Sharon-I could not believe the horrible news about Shay.My heart sank as I remembered what a wonderful child he was.I had not seen him in a number of years,but family is never far from your heart.May God bless you.-Jami (Timian) Lawrence
July 28, 2009
May God hold you in the palm of His hand during your deep sorrow. We always think that things out "out of sync" when a child goes before us. Shay's days, minutes and seconds were numbered as is true for each of us, so God called him home. My grandson, Sean Donovan, called Shay one of his best friends and he is having a hard time knowing he can't just call Shay and make plans, or for Shay to call him. Finality is much harder for young people and I hope that in some small way that I can be of comfort to my grandson. Just from what he told me I know that Shay was a good person and a fun person. Sincerely, Dotty Reynolds
July 28, 2009
Todd and family,
I never met Shay but he was a friend of my daughters. Just from hearing her he will be missed so much. i am so sorry for your loss but remember to celebrate the great person he was. he will always be with you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
July 28, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort
-Brittany Zeid & Brian Hyde
Ron & John Cobb
July 28, 2009
Todd - I just talked to Rick Penhallegon and he told me about Shay. I thought I would write here instead of calling right now. I am so sorry to hear this news. I can't even imagine what it is like. I never know what to say except that you will be in our prayers. And may God wrap his arms around you and all of your family. If you ever need to talk.....
Ron, Retha, John, and Juliet Cobb
Vicki Keyes
July 28, 2009
Todd - My heart goes out to you and your family in this tragic loss. My son is 17 years old and I cannot imagine your pain. Please know that all of us here at The Carpet Shoppe are thinking of you and praying for you. Take care.
July 28, 2009
Todd:
I am so sorry for your loss! I can't even imagine how you feel and you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Elaine Warren
Nora Wilcox
July 28, 2009
I didn't know Shay, but being a grandson of Gary and Laura , he was very special. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 28, 2009
Heilman family-
I knew Shay, albeit not all that well. Well enough, however, to know he always wore a smile, loved and was loved by his friends and family, and had a bright future in front of him. I've never seen such an outpouring of love before, and you should take comfort in knowing how many people Shay touched in his short time with us. I'm glad I got to know him while I had the chance. He will be sorely missed by all, and I cannot even imagine the pain you must be going through. Although it may be a cliche remark, I believe it is true that Shay would not want us to be down about this. Even if you have to force a smile, just remember smiling was never a chore for Shay, and thankfully he will be remembered for that, and for so much more. Good luck in these tough times. You are truly blessed to have so many people looking out for you.
Brittany Moore
July 28, 2009
I will be keeping Shay in my thoughts always, and his family in my prayers. I will always remember when we were little and you would never share your bop it toy with me, and then one year you changed your mind and let me play it and you got me a dolphin necklace from the quarter machines!Miss you always. I know you will be watching over us all.
Clayton Ulmer
July 28, 2009
Todd and family, I'm so sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.I only knew Shay for the past 6 months, but he made such a positive impact on my life. He was my best friend in our public speaking class and was a great guy to be around and always knew how to make me laugh. I'm really gonna miss ya buddy.
Carrie Heckstetter
July 28, 2009
I am so sorry to hear this news Todd! My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Matt Willett
July 28, 2009
Shay you will forever be loved and missed. RIP buddy and watch over all of us.
July 28, 2009
I don't know Shay Personaly but my heart goes out to his family. My Brother in Law was friends with him and I know he is trying to get through this.
Paula Tarrant
July 28, 2009
Todd, I have to say I was speechless when I heard the news about Shay. I know this is such a difficult time for you and I send my deepest sympathies. Even though he barely grazed my life, he left a marked impression. He always carried an air of excitement, energy and enthusiasm. Although I cannot imagine the pain you are going through, know that support and help are always available to you. If you should need anything during this time of grief, anything at all, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Bonnie Farrar
July 28, 2009
Todd & Family - My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. Shay was always upbeat and a pleasure to be around. He always can put a smile on your face. He will be missed by all!!
Bonnie Knapp
July 28, 2009
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Heilman family. Shay was a friend of my son Jonathan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this terrible time. May God be with you. The Knapp family, Neal, Bonnie and Jonathan.
Kim Mitaksov
July 28, 2009
I was a teacher at North when Shay was there. I never had him as a student or knew him. I am a mother, though, and my heart breaks at the thought of someone losing their child. Please accept my deepest condolences.
July 28, 2009
Sharon and the whole Heilman family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of tremendous loss and grief. Everytime you spoke of Shay your face lit up - I hope that those same memories will continue to warm your heart from here to everlasting. -kathleen robinson
Brenda Van Eps
July 28, 2009
Todd--Words can not express how sorry I am to hear the news of your son's passing. I pray you and your family are surrounded with people who love you and can comfort you during this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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