Daniel Patrick Shannon

Daniel Patrick Shannon, 73, of Star, ID, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with frontotemporal dementia.

Dan was born on January 21, 1953, in Peoria, IL, to Coralee Miller and Harold Herbert "Herb" Shannon. He graduated from Peoria Central High School in 1971, where he was captain of the cross country team and freelanced as a sports writer for the Peoria Journal Star. It was at cross country practice at Newman Golf Course in Peoria that he first noticed Sharon Denise Kester. He always described the moment he first saw her walking up a hill, saying she was surrounded by a bright light and the impression never left him. They were married on September 2, 1972 and she was the love of his life for over 53 years.

Dan and Sharon moved to CO as newlyweds, where their first child, Brandi, was born in 1974. Brandi was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome and her care and her joy defined the Shannon family from that day forward. Dan called her a perfect soul. Three more children followed: Bobby, Andrea and Craig and Dan threw himself into fatherhood, often working two jobs and attending night school on just a few hours of sleep while Sharon often ran a home daycare to help keep the family afloat. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Sangamon State University and built a 35-year career with Caterpillar, advancing from machinist to facility management within Caterpillar Logistics. He was once recognized as the top manager across all of Caterpillar, but if you asked Dan what he was most proud of, he'd talk about his people.

Dan was a runner to his core. By age 50, he had logged over 50,000 miles, the equivalent of twice around the world. He ran multiple sub three hour marathons, completed the Boston Marathon, multiple ultra marathons ultimately passing that love on to his sons and he always enjoyed watching them race. One particularly special experience happened when Dan and Craig served as crew/safety runners for Bob while he competed in the Western States 100 mile mountain trail race. Often, on Saturdays, he'd drop Andrea off at ballet, head out for a run, then they’d drive home together, him telling her all about his run and she telling him about class. Even at the end, the staff at his care facility knew one thing for certain: Dan was always trying to sneak off to get a few more miles in. Stock Car Racing was in his blood too. His father Herb raced in the Daytona 500 and is in the Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. Dan was a very talented race car driver, but ultimately, always chose his family above a career behind the wheel.

Dan was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for his entire adult life. At every crossroads, Dan chose his paths with intention, and in doing so he rewrote the story for his entire family. He was a quiet man—dry humor, steady hands, always did the dishes, who showed love not only through words but through showing up, every single day.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Denise Shannon of Dawsonville, GA; his children, Brandi Shannon, Robert "Bob" Shannon (Kristin), Andrea Shannon Stroud, and Daniel Craig "Craig" Shannon (Cynthia); eleven grandchildren, Maxwell Stroud, Brayden Shannon, Colby Shannon, Isabelle "Ellie" Stroud, Lily Shannon, Kailin Shannon, Cohen Stroud, Austin Shannon, Brody Smith, Ava Smith, and Abigail "Abbie" Shannon; and his siblings, Herbie Shannon, Jerry Shannon, Mark Shannon, and Jennifer Shannon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Coralee Miller Shannon; his father, Harold Herbert "Herb" Shannon; and his brother, John Shannon.

A funeral service will be held on March 16, 2026, at 484 South Main Street, Star, Idaho. Viewing at 10:00 a.m. | Service at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by Bowman Funeral Home. Dan's family invites you to share fond memories at //www.bowmanfuneral.com/obituaries/daniel-shannon

In lieu of flowers, Dan's family asks that you do something he would have loved: perform an intentional act of kindness for someone in your life, or lace up your shoes and go for a run. Either one would have made him smile.