John D. Shea, long-time resident of Phillipsburg, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, NE at the age of 77.
John was born in Norton, Kansas, the son of Hamilton and Elsie Mae (Custer) Shea. He attended school and graduated from Gem Consolidated Schools in 1961. On October 14, 1961, John was united in marriage to Connie Erwin in Colby, KS. They were blessed with four children. The family lived in the Levant/Colby area until they moved to Phillipsburg in 1976.
John retired from K-N Energy in 2003 after 29 years of service as a Measurement Technician. In his free time, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, home improvement projects and watching old westerns. If there was a fish or a bird to be caught or shot, he would be the one to do it; he had a special touch.
Some of John's fondest memories were his fishing trips to Oregon, Washington and Texoma. He knew no strangers and made many friends while hunting and fishing. You could always expect to hear a good story about his trips.
John never missed a chance to brag about his grandchildren, often times pulling out his phone to show photos. He was a proud father, grandpa and Papa.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Connie; his son, Rick Shea; his parents, Hamilton & Elsie Mae Shea; his brother, Gerald "Jerry" Shea; and sister, Bettie Kear.
Survivors include a son, Randie & wife, Julie, and daughter, Bonnie Ewing & husband, Brian, all of Phillipsburg, KS; daughter, Tonia Driggs & husband, Buck, of Manhattan, KS; ten grandchildren: Gabrian, Gareth, Gavyn, Rheanna & Aryssa Peterson-Shea; Zackary & Hunter Ewing; and Tayber, Tucker & Gunner Driggs; and one great-granddaughter, Kairinthia.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Lee Bennight officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Dept of Wildlife and Parks & Phillips County 4-H Shooting Sports.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Wednesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.