Edward Darrell Shannon

Born in Emporia, Kansas, October 13, 1923, to Madeline Hall and Darrell E. Shannon, he spent his youth with his parents and paternal grandparents Norma Brodie and Walter A. Shannon in Pratt, Kansas. A talented athlete in football and track, he discovered his gift of music, sharing his rich baritone voice and playing the trumpet and coronet in dance bands and as first chair throughout high school and junior college. His studies were cut short with the advent of World War II, and he joined the Marine Corps, was stationed in Hawaii where he blew Reveille and Taps before returning to Hitchcock, Texas where he met his future wife Ethel at the Naval Base. They married on November 11, 1944 in Alvin, Texas.

He began his work career with Humble Oil and Refining Company while attending night school at University of Houston, receiving a BS in chemistry and graduating with honors in 1951. His professional journey included sales and development of gas and engine lubricant products. With Enjay Chemical Company, he marketed groundbreaking plastics products, and in New York City he was an industry planner of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. He finished as an account executive for Exxon LPG Marketing in Houston and retired in 1980. He completed his career joining Suburban Propane and opening their Houston office. Known for his generosity, charm and social mindedness, he continued his associations in retirement with the Exxon Annuitant Club and the Oldtimers Group. The many friends and colleagues he met along the way were always an important part of his life.

Sales and marketing afforded him the opportunity to hone his golfing skills. He began on the sand greens of Pratt at age 13, and his love and enthusiasm for the game followed him throughout his life. He joined Pine Forest Country Club, shot his age at 74, and played almost every famous course throughout the USA. In his later years he avidly followed Houston sports teams ~ especially his UH Cougars.

And always part of his life, his faith in God brought him great comfort. As a 70 year member of Second Baptist Church, he was able to share his time and gift of service to charity, home bound reach-outs, the church choir, the Forum Bible Class, and later the Gospel Truth Bible Study.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents and brother Hall Delaine Shannon. He is survived by his wife, Ethel; daughter and son-in-law, Loretta and Dick Woodall; son. Walter, and daughter-in-law, Elaine Santos; 3 grandchildren, Leah Woodall Noble and husband Mike; Richard Woodall and wife Erin; and Eva Marie Shannon; 5 great-grandchildren, Madison and Jake Noble; Stella, Johnny, and Bo Woodall; nieces, nephews, and cousins - especially Danielle Mead who gave him such loving care at the end.

Due to the restrictions from Covid-19, there will be a private viewing and graveside service for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway, Houston, Texas 77057.