In Remembrance Of

John Kenton Shea

John Kenton Shea, 34, of Stewartsville, MO passed way July 20, 2022.

He was born on September 29, 1987, to John M. and Kathy (Schwarz) Shea. He was perfect in our eyes. Kenton graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School in 2006 and attended Mineral Area College (MAC) where he graduated with an associate’s degree in Fire Science. 

On May 2, 2009, he married Jessica. He loved life, he loved his wife Jessica. Together they had two beautiful children Donna and Levi. They are loved. Donna will always be daddy’s girl. He died doing what he loved doing, driving his vroom as Levi called it. Kenton excelled in Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout. In the tribe of Mic O Say he got to the high rank of Keeper. He worked hard during his five years on staff at Camp Geiger helping the younger scouts understand the outdoor programs and the scouting way. 

While at MAC, he worked as a firefighter for the Park Hills Fire Department in southeast Missouri. After returning to St. Joseph, he worked at Menards and was a volunteer for South Central Buchanan County Fire Department. Kenton later received his EMT license which helped him at his jobs with the DOC, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department and Frontier Casino. He was currently working for Lifeline Foods. Kenton was very passionate about helping others and was a light in so many people’s lives. He will be missed by all he came in contact with, especially his family.

Kenton was preceded in death by his grandparents John Shea, Sr. and Donna Shea; his father-in-law Dennis Seals; and his uncle Jim Schwarz.

He is survived by his wife Jessica Shea; his children Donna and Levi; his parents John and Kathy Shea; his mother-in-law Susan Seals; sister-in-law Jacqueline Seals and husband Rob Carbin; his niece Effie; grandparents Kenton and Ann Schwarz; aunts and uncles Jan and Ray Schwarz, Pat and Mary Shea and Andrew Shea; numerous cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Celebration of Life Service: 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 25th at the Gower Christian Church AFC Building.  For livestreaming of service click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_dP8uHOdOc

Burial: Allen Cemetery, Gower, MO

Donations may be made to the Kenton Shea Memorial Fund. Checks may be made payable to Jessica Shea.

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Comments & condolences

25 comments

  • Stuart and Kay Lynne Bowers

    Kathy and John,
    We send our deepest sympathy to the two of you and we hope that your fond memories help you through this difficult time. We are thinking of you and sharing your sorrow.
    Stu and Kay Lynne Bowers

  • Jennifer J. Jackson RN

    so sad to see this – and sorry to have missed the funeral. Al and I send our sympathy to the entire family.

  • Mike & Cindy Monroe

    Our prayers to all the family.

  • Marilyn and Kerry Beck

    Jessica and family and John and Kathy my thoughts and prayers are with all of the at this time. Our hearts are broken over this tragedy. May you find peace and comfort.

  • Denise M Roberts

    I’m so sorry, I worked with Kenton at Lifeline foods.. He was a good guy and he will be missed. prayers for your family.

  • Jonathan Morrison

    Kenton was a great friend and I can only imagine a phenomenal father. To Jessica, Kathy, John, Donna and Levi, thank you for sharing Kenton with all the rest of us. I know I didn’t deserve a friend as great as him.

  • Patty Voltmer

    Kathy and John, I am so sorry to read of Kenton’s passing. May the love of our Lord carry you through this difficult time and bring you peace in the beautiful memories you have.

  • Laurie Sunmers

    Eternal rest grant unto him,O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May Kenton rest in peace.
    My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

  • Christy & Terry Kelly

    I so enjoyed my talks with Kenton when Donna was a baby. Our hearts ache for your family. He will be greatly missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Jennifer Fisher/Loubey

    My deepest sympathy for all of your family
    ‘Sending Hugs & Prayers’

  • Jennifer Loubey

    My deepest sympathies for all of your family
    Sending Hugs’ & Prayers’

  • Georgia Bizal

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Kenton will be missed by his family and friends. I will donate a book to the St. Francis Xavier School library in his name. If there is a particular book you’d like me to get, please let me know.

  • Andy Lewis

    Sorry for your loss. I will always remember how friendly and helpful he was at Geiger.

  • Michelle Davis

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • Kelly Steeby

    To John’s family I’m so sorry for you loss, your in my thoughts and prayers

  • Crysta and Ben Bertrand

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

  • Amy Panszs

    Love you Kathy…may those beautiful grandbabies and your amazing daughter-in-law be some comfort to you and John as you proceed through these difficult days ahead of you. I cannot imagine the depth of sorrow and loss you’re in as a mom. Anything I can do I’m here.

  • Emily & Faith - Columbia IMKO

    Jessica,
    We are saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your husband. Our sincerest sympathies go out to you and your kiddos and family during this time. May God’s love surround and comfort you all in the days ahead.
    Many prayers,
    Emily Newcom & Faith Clark
    IMKO Columbia

  • Shawn (Bales) Richey

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. So very sorry and so wish we had gotten to know Kenton better through the years – know he was a remarkable young man. The Richey family.

  • Kelly Thompson

    Kenton was the absolute best coworker and friend. I knew I could depend on him no matter what difficulty we faced, especially in the Bin Complex at work. He would always listen, always be a back up if needed and would always be there to make us laugh. I’m pretty sure the phrase “Now, what did we learn???” was said daily by him. Lol. Such an awesome guy.
    Fly high Kenton, keep watch over all of us. Until we meet again…..

  • Lisa Edmondson

    Our deepest condolences to you all. You will continue to be in our prayers. Lisa and family

  • Dawn Hirter

    Words are inadequate to express how sorry I am for your loss.

  • Amanda (Olinger) Friesz

    You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you through this difficult time. Kenton’s memories will live on forever through ever life he touched.

  • James and Mychala Fisher

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help

  • Carolyn McManus

    My deepest sympathy to all the family. Hugs

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