William C. Shea

William C. Shea, 91, of Springfield, died at 4:25 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Auburn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. William was born December 30, 1921 in Springfield, the son of William T. and Fairy Owensby Shea. He married Helen Connolly on November 2, 1974. William was a graduate of Springfield High School and served his country in the United States Army during WWII. He is a survivor of D-Day and has revisited Omaha Beach twice in 1984 and 1994 for the 40th and 50th anniversary of D-Day. William was a self-made man. He was the owner and operator of gas stations on Route 66 for over 65 years, which later formed into a museum in 1995. He became known as "the Father of the Mother Road" and was known internationally, greeting visitors from over 90 different countries. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Gweneth Flattley and one infant sister; one brother, Clarence Shea; his first wife, Dorothy Marie Falconburg in 1973; and one son, John S. Shea. He is survived by his wife, Helen Shea of Springfield; one son, William (wife, Rachel) Shea of Springfield; five grandchildren, John W. (wife, Denise) Shea, William C. Shea, Tiffany (husband, Jared) Baker, John W. (wife, Cheri) Harden, and Teresa A. Mayer; four great-grandchildren; Gillian Shea, Jordan Shea, and Clay and Chelby Harden. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial Ceremony: 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, with Rev. Msgr. Thomas P. Holinga officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Villa Angela, 715 N. 4th St., Springfield, IL 62702.