Phillip Michael "Mike" Shemwell

Phillip Michael "Mike" Shemwell departed this life on June 29, 2025, at the age of 71, in his home in Winona, Missouri. He was born on August 28, 1953, in Madison, Illinois, to Everette Dean and Mary Mabel (Hardwick) Shemwell. Mike spent his childhood in Granite City, Illinois, and Alton, Missouri, before moving to Winona, Missouri, where he spent his teenage years and most of his life. He loved spending time on the river, canoeing and fishing, and often took his grandsons along to share those peaceful moments. To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as "Papa Mike." Mike was very social and could spend hours with friends playing chess and various other games. In the mornings, you could often catch him enjoying breakfast at the Apple Barrel, and in the afternoons, helping his grandkids with yard work, not because he had to, but because it was something he truly loved to do. He had a wonderful sense of humor and never missed a chance to tell a joke or pull a good-natured prank, bringing laughter wherever he went. Though small in stature, Mike was stout as an ox and could more than hold his own, which was something people quickly discovered if they ever tried to pick on him. He spent his adult life working many jobs, including timber work and construction. In 1972, Mike married Jennive "Dimp" (Blanks) Shemwell, and together they had three children: Christopher, Amanda, and Jolene. He also shared a time in his life with Loree Baker, with whom he had a son, Michael. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Christopher; his brothers, Dean (Carol) and Jimmy Shemwell; and his stepmother, Elizabeth Shemwell. He is survived by his former wife, Jennive; his children, Amanda (Kevin), Jolene, and Michael; grandchildren, Brianna (Brandon), Kagon, Saige, Duncun, Caleb, Autumn, Avree, Abagail, Mackynlee, Decklynn, and Finn; great-grandchildren, Jackston and Jasper; bonus son, Frank; bonus grandkids, Brianna, Ashley, and Amanda; as well as a host of extended family and friends. As per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. He will be cremated, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri, and his remains will be laid to rest in his family plot at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Winona. Rather than attending a ceremony, we invite all who knew him to take a quiet moment to reflect on the special memories you shared with him and to remember his kindness, his humor, and the moments that made him dear to you. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermorturary.com.