Joseph Len Shannon, Sr., of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on December 2, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born on January 8, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri, to James O. and Virginia V. (Oliphant) Shannon, who both preceded him in death.
He was the eighth of twelve children. His siblings who preceded him in death were: William Lester Oliphant, Ruth Batchelor, James Shannon, Roselind Sherrie Akridge, Thomas Shannon, and Danny Shannon. His surviving siblings are: Herbert Gene Shannon, Shirley O’Neil, Kenneth Shannon, Gay Dean Kirby, and his twin Douglas Shannon.
Joe married the love of his life, Diana L. Turnbow, on June 27, 1980, in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Together they built a life marked by faith, family, and steady devotion.
He was the proud father of four children: Sarah (Adam) Dennis of Imperial, MO; Jennifer (Dustin) Cook of Tupelo, MS; Joseph (Lindsey) Shannon, Jr. of Poplar Bluff, MO; and Gayla (Cody) Stucker of Imperial, MO
He was “Papa Joe” to ten grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy: Abigail, Amelia, and Adalia Dennis; Lyric, Anson, Jasper, and Gibson Cook; Chace and Rhett Shannon; and Lane Stucker.
He was uncle to thirty nephews and nieces.
Joe was a father, fisherman, and gardener at heart. He was a member of Apostolic Pentecostal Church, St. Louis, MO, where visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with a celebration of life service immediately following at 12:00 pm.