Mr. Henry Shannon Jr

Henry Shannon Jr. was born September 10, 1933 to Henry Shannon and Memory (Stevenson) Shannon, in Milo, Oklahoma. He was the sixth of their eight children: McClellan Stevenson, Elwood, Lois, Finis, Clemmit, Haile Selassie, and Sammy. To the family, Henry was known as "Junior".
Henry completed his early education in Tatums, Oklahoma in 1952. He studied Biology for 3-1/2 years at Langston University, in Langston, Oklahoma. In 1956, he settled in Kansas City, where he lived with his sister, Finis, and her family. While in Kansas City, he worked with his brother-in-law, Leonard Jones, making iron furniture. He was accepted into the Medical Technology Training Program at General Hospital, but later that year he was drafted into the U.S Army. After completing tours of duty at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas and Erie Ordnance Depot, in Port Clinton, Ohio, he was honorably discharged in 1958. He returned to Kansas City to resume his medical training. In 1959, while in the medical program, he was introduced to another program student, Reaner Gunnels, by fellow classmate, the late Raymond Handy, Sr. Henry said that he liked Reaner when he first met her. He said, "she was beautiful and smart; she had it all." On Valentine's Day 1960, he proposed to Reaner and they were married shortly thereafter, on March 20 of that year. Several years later, they welcomed Pamela Renee´ into their family.
After completing the Medical Technology Program, he was hired as a Registered Medical Technologist at General Hospital, where he spent 26 years in the Clinical Laboratory. Early in their careers, Henry and Reaner were mentored by former Kansas City Mayor and Missouri State Senator, the late Dr. Charles B. Wheeler, who encouraged Henry to work his way up the ladder. In 1997, Henry retired from Truman Medical Center, formally known as General Hospital, after 38 years of service. During his tenure there, he held the job titles of Supervisor of Microbiology, Clinical Laboratories Manager, and Manager Procurement Special Projects, whereby he recruited minority and women business owners to provide goods and services to Truman.
As Henry advanced his medical career, he did not abandon his educational goals. He resumed his education pursuits and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology from University of Missouri – Kansas City and a Masters of Arts Degree in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University.
Henry had a great love for the Lord. He accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 12, and was baptized into the body of believers at St. Paul Baptist Church in Milo. After he married Reaner, he became a member of Progressive Baptist Church where he was appointed a member of the Trustee Board, and later ordained a deacon by the late Rev. A.M. Hudson, Sr. He served with diligence, doing the work of a deacon, as well as holding memberships in other ministries. He also served in many leadership positions, including Sunday School Superintendent. At the time of his passing, Henry was a member of Paseo Baptist Church where he continued his active work as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and ministries such as the Bus Ministry, Men's Ministry, and any capacity where he saw a need.
Henry loved recreational and professional sports. While in the Army, one of his favorite pastimes was playing table tennis. When he met Reaner, they enjoyed fishing and bowling. His love of table tennis led him to play court tennis, a sport he even loved to watch. Later in life, Henry became an avid golfer and introduced Reaner to the sport. After retirement, he golfed three to four times a week with his friends, and reserved Saturday afternoons for golf with Reaner.
Henry and Reaner shared a number of hobbies and interests to include golf, coin collecting, Bible Study, child evangelism, genealogy and playing the guitar, which he learned to play at the age of 77. They both served as family historians in their respective families. They made a number of trips to the National Archives in Washington, D.C. to research their ancestry. They enjoyed traveling, having ventured to South Africa, Canada, Australia, China, Taiwan, and many domestic locations. Many of their trips included finding time to play a round of golf. Of all the places that they traveled, Henry favored Oklahoma, and often said that it was "God's Country!"
Henry's affiliations included in part, Mid-Town Kiwanis (president and fund-raising facilitator), Langston University Alumni Association (treasurer), Jackson County Election Poll Judge, Candlelight Ridge Home Owners Association Board, and American Legion Wayne Minor Post 169 (First Vice Commander). In 2006, he and Reaner established the Endowed Lectureship on Minority Health at University of Missouri - Kansas City, to help raise awareness about healthcare disparities.
Henry was a dedicated hard worker. He gave 100% to any task that he took on. He was a quiet, easy-going person, who was compassionate about helping those in need. He was a great philanthropist who contributed to many charitable organizations monthly, to include a school in South Africa.
Henry was an outdoorsman who enjoyed yardwork and gardening. Part of his daily routine was setting out feed for wild birds and the neighborhood cats.
He was very proud of his American Indian heritage with the Choctaw Nation. He actively advocated and supported efforts for the Freedmen Indians to be granted full Indian rights. Today, this fight continues.
Henry received a variety of awards and honors through the years. One of his most coveted awards was the "Unsung Octogenarian Citizens Award" from The TJB Foundation, Inc. in 2015.
Henry peacefully went home to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, December 28, 2022.
Henry is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Reaner Gunnels Shannon, his parents, four brothers and one sister. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved and devoted daughter, Pamela R. Shannon (Dallas, TX,); sister, Finis Jones (Ardmore, OK); sisters-in-law Gloria Brooks (KC), Millie Grace Morris (Atlanta, GA), Christine Pouncil (KC), Macy (Ronald) Miller (KC), Gladys (Fred) Burtin (KC), Ester Jackson (Raytown), LaVern Gunnels (KC) brother-in-law Willie "Bill" (Bernie Dean) Gunnels (KC); a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; the Paseo Baptist Church family and many friends.
Funeral Service will be held on Sat, January 7, 2022, 11 am at Paseo Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at 10 am. Interment: Mount Moriah Cemetery. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website
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