We come together today to celebrate the life of Arthur Dewey Shannon.  Arthur was born  in Camden, TN  September 18, 1946 to parents Lois and Olive Shannon.  He later moved with his family to Detroit, MI.  The place he would always think of as a home town.  He was very active as a youth with Baptist ministies in the area.  He excelled at Baseball with the High School team,  I believe that he still holds records there.  Arthur attended John Brown University where he studied the ministry.   Arthur worked as a Truck Driver with his Dad for many years.

Arthur served in the United States Army where he received an honorable discharge.   Arthur met and married his wife Janice while at San Angelo, Tx and  Justin was born in San Antonio, Tx  where he served as a decorated  medic  before he was discharged. 

Arthur leaves behind his wife Janice, son Justin, step-daughter Lori,  Mother Lois, 2 sisters, and one brother. Five grandchildren one great-granddaughter.  He was preceded in death by his father.

Arthur loved to read,  many an hour he would spend reading and studying his Bible. He also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles .  James Patterson fiction was one of his favorite novel writers.    He remained an avid sports fan with the Detroit Tigers being his favorite team to follow.   If its possible I am sure he is watching the world series today.

Remembered today for the special place family had in his heart.  Arthur loved his family dearly and unconditionally.  He had so many delightful  memories of growing up with his brother and sisters.   He so enjoyed being the big brother.   He would tell me stories by the hour of life as he recalled it growing up in Taylor, Mi a suberb of Detroit. 

Arthur was a good friend to many people, he was kind hearted.  He was  easy going.  He always had a big  smile and laughter was always close by.   It seemed to me that he knew everyones name that we would meet.    He could talk for hours.  You would be smiling right now  if you knew him.  Arthur entered his eternal rest on May 1, 2012.     He will be missed. 

  The Broken Chain

I little knew that morning. God was going to call your name,

In life I loved you dearly, in death I do the same.

It broke my heart to loose you, you did not go alone,

for part of me went with you, the day God called you home.

You left me beautiful memories your love is still my guide,

and though we cannot see you, you're always at my side.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,

but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Ron Tranmer

John 6:37-40

37 All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; 39 and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Amen.