Shannon Eugene Kathary

LIGONIER — Shannon Eugene Kathary, age 38, of Ligonier passed away on Friday August 2, 2013 at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne as the result of a stroke suffered on Saturday morning, July 20, 2013.

He was born on June 4, 1975, the son of Eugene and Kim (Miller) Kathary in Goshen, Ind. On August 3, 1996 he married Candy Swank, she survives.

Also surviving are his five children, Nicholas, Neal, Rebecca, Leah and Noah, all at home; his parents, Eugene and Kim Kathary of Ligonier; a sister, Melinda Kathary, and several nieces and nephews.

Shannon graduated from West Noble High School in 1993 and went on to attend Ball State. He later graduated from IPFW with a degree in Music Education. He had a passion for music and the arts. He was currently serving as the full time youth pastor and worship director at Ligonier United Methodist Church.

He had been on several domestic mission trips, serving side by side with the people he led. He also helped lead many young people, and others, to fuller lives through the love of Jesus Christ.

Shannon loved to camp, play cards and games, and cheer on his beloved Dallas Cowboys.

Above all, he was a dedicated family man who deeply loved life, his wife and children, and was a faithful Christian who never hid his passion for Christ.

Friends and family will be received at The CrossWalk from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013.

A funeral service in his honor will be held on Monday August 5, 2013 at 11 a.m. at The CrossWalk at Ligonier United Methodist Church in Ligonier, with Pastors Byron and Candy Kaiser officiating. Burial will take place at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in care of Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South; Ligonier, IN 46767.