Coach Robert L. Shannon
May 25, 1928 — April 19, 2008
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A memorial service for Robert L. Shannon, 79, of Newark, formerly of Granville, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wedneday at Swasey Chapel on the campus of Denison University with Rev. John W. Harra officiating. A private graveside service will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery.
Coach Shannon, of Denison University, passed away Saturday at his home in Newark. He was born May 25, 1928 in Newark to the late Lawrence L. and Mary (Pryor) Shannon.
Bob was a 1946 graduate of Newark High School. He attended Denison University where he received his B.A. degree in Physical Education followed by a master's degree from The Ohio State University. During his studies at Denison, he was on the undefeated football team coached by Woody Hayes. In 1954, he was appointed assistant football coach at Denison University until 1958 when he also became head track and field coach at Denison University. His 40 year tenure led him to coach an Olympian in Montreal, officiate at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, referee at national track meets for over 20 years, and win a NCAA Division III National Track and Field Championship. He was a long-time member of Neal Avenue United Methodist Church in Newark.
Bob's hobbies included traveling extensively home and abroad, particularly visiting the many Presidential libraries. He further traveled during his sabbaticals and taught at Arizona State and the University of Bagdad. He especially enjoyed playing handball with the "Handballers", Bud Woltjen, Earl Baker, and Pete Ullman.
Surviving are his wife, of 56 years, Phyllis (Webb) Shannon of Newark; daughters and son-in-law, Jenny and Kent Davis, and Becky Shannon and Tom Sutton of Granville; grandchildren, Tracy N. (Jeremy) Hysell, and B.J. (Cheryl) Davis; great-grandchildren, Justin, Dylan, Hailee, Devin and Cherydan; several nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Florence Shannon of Newark.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Marjorie Mannino, and Elizabeth Melick; and one brother, Walter Shannon.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday at Swasey Chapel at Denison University. Arrangements are in the care of McPeek Funeral Home in Granville. Visit www.mcpeekfuneralhome.com to view a video tribute, sign an online guestbook, or send condolences.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, OH 43055 or to Neal Avenue United Methodist Church, 12 Neal Ave., Newark, OH 43055.