John Hugh Shannon

John Hugh Shannon Lakeland - John Hugh Shannon, 70, of Lakeland, Florida, died on December 24, 2017. Born in Sikeston, Missouri, he grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and spent most of his life in Florida. John earned the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Fort Myers High School. He then attended Edison Community College before completing his undergraduate education at Florida State University. Following graduation, John joined the United States Marine Corp, achieving the rank of Captain. John took great pride in having served his country as a Marine, something of which he spoke often and with great fondness. After his time of service, John attended law school at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where upon graduation he returned to Florida to begin his career as an attorney fighting for the rights of others. Proudly calling Polk County home, he spent the remainder of his life raising his family and serving his community. John's passion for his community could be seen through his active participation in the Kiwanis Club, Republican Club, St Paul’s Lutheran Church and School, where two of his daughters attended, and as a board member for the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center. John is accompanied in death by his daughters, Olivia Anne Shannon and Victoria Jane Shannon Worthington and his son-in-law, Peter Worthington. He was preceded in death by his parents, James O. Shannon Sr. and Jane Garrett Shannon of Fort Myers, Florida. John is survived by his eldest daughter, Dr. Chevis Nacole Shannon, and granddaughter, Gabriella Blue Shannon, of Nashville, Tennessee; his brothers James O. Shannon Jr. of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Jerry Shannon of Fort Myers, Florida, and their families; as well as extended family and friends around the world. A memorial service for John Hugh Shannon, Olivia Shannon, Victoria Shannon Worthington, and Peter Worthington will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on January 6th at 10:30 in the morning. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the St. Paul School Scholarship Fund, 4450 Harden Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33813 or the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, 3020 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL 33803 in John’s honor. John’s life of service, his energy and his passion will be missed by all who came to know and love him.