It is with great sadness that the family of Gerald P. Shannon announces his passing at Kalispell Regional Hospital on Sunday July 13, 2008. He was born August 6, 1932 in East Los Angeles, CA to Thomas K. Shannon and Marguerite Bedford. After graduating from Cathedral High School in 1951, “Jerry” joined and served honorably in the US Navy during the Korean War on the USS Ticonderoga. He received his aviation training in the field of air traffic control at the US Naval Auxiliary Air Station at Cabaniss Field, Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1954, he began his career with the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller for the Los Angeles Air Traffic Control Center where he met and married Verna Smilka. They, along with their daughter Stacey, lived in Lancaster, CA until his retirement in 1976. In 1977, they moved to the Mission Valley in Montana where he resided until he went to be with the Lord. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Thomas, Clifford, William, and Leroy; sisters Marjorie, Peggy and Monica. Gerald is survived by his wife of 46 years, Verna of Polson; daughter Stacey Shannon with grandsons Kyle Hephner and Randy Hephner all of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; brother Vince of Woodburn, OR; sisters Marie Turner of Glendale, CA, Eileen Richmond and her husband Bill of Burbank, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. “Jerry” enjoyed golf, cooking special cuisine for his family and friends and traveling to Coeur d’Alene to spend time with his daughter and grandsons. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, as well as a man of great faith and trust in Jesus Christ. A celebration of his life will be held at the Polson Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 46873 US Hwy 93 N, Polson, MT on Friday July 18, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Frank Cummings officiating. A reception will follow the service in the church hall. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery with full military honors at 4:00 p.m. Memorial donations in memory of “Jerry” may be made to the donor’s choice. The family is very grateful to the caring medical staff at Kalispell Regional Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Grogan Funeral Home.