Jeffery "Big Daddy" Shull

Jeffery Scott "Big Daddy" Shull, 60, of Eldon, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. As Jeff wished, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will begin at noon on Sunday, October 5, at the Wapello County Fairgrounds. Memorial contributions in Jeff's honor may be directed to the family and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may share memories and leave condolences online at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Jeff was born on December 29, 1964, in Iowa City, Iowa. He grew up in Ottumwa and graduated from Ottumwa High School with the class of 1983. Through a mutual friend, he met the love of his life, Lisa Hughes. The two were united in marriage on July 27, 1985, in Ottumwa, and together built a beautiful life. In 1993, they moved to Eldon, Iowa - the place Jeff would proudly call home for the rest of his life. Jeff and Lisa were blessed with two children, Scott and Emily.

Jeff had a strong work ethic from the start, holding jobs from delivering newspapers to cooking in local restaurants before beginning his longtime career in manufacturing. He worked at Excel for 15 years before joining John Deere Ottumwa Works as a forklift operator, where he remained until his health no longer allowed. A proud member of Local UAW 74, Jeff was passionate about standing up for workers' rights and supporting his union brothers and sisters.

Outside of work, Jeff lived life in the fast lane. He had a lifelong love of cars and speed. In his younger years, he drag raced his Chevelle, then found a new thrill behind the wheel of the #57 stock car. That passion lived on through his son, Scott, who proudly carries on the tradition of racing the #57. Jeff also loved showing off his classic '55 Chevy at car shows, often with a wide grin and a story to share.

Jeff's proudest moments were with his family. He adored being a husband, father, and "Papa." In his later years, one of his favorite routines was picking up his granddaughter on Friday afternoons in his '55 - a simple joy that brought him endless happiness. His grandchildren were his world, and he will be remembered for the way his face lit up whenever they were near.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia; his stepfather, Wendell McDanel; and his brother, Ben Shull.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Lisa Shull of Eldon, IA; his children, Scott (Shelby) Shull of Eldon and Emily (Nathan) Pearcy of Fairfield; his beloved grandchildren, Bexley and Knoxton Shull; his brothers, Mike (Cindy) Shull and Brian (Echo) McDanel; his sisters, Debra Clark and Janet McDanel; as well as extended family, and countless friends who will miss him dearly.

Jeff's memory will forever live on in the roar of an engine, the shine of a classic car, and the laughter of his family he so deeply loved.