Russell William Shannon

Russell W. Shannon, 88, died January 21, 2025, in Torrington, Wyoming. Funeral services for Russell will be held at 2 pm on Monday January 27th, at Lighthouse Ministries in Torrington, with Pastor Rick Carroll officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Torrington. Visitation will take place an hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com. Russell William Shannon, the son of Wilbur and Bernice Shannon, was born December 1, 1936, just north of Hawk Springs, Wyoming. He was raised in Hawk Springs and attended high school where he graduated in 1955. He was a standout runner at Hawk Springs High and was a member of the cross country run team that placed first at the University of Wyoming high school invite in 1954. After high school, Russell pursued farming and ranching as a career west of Hawk Springs and south of Yoder, Wyoming. He worked for several farms before purchasing his own and starting a lifelong love of farming and ranching. He raised cows, pigs, chickens, and eventually purchased some wheat ground that he farmed throughout his life. When not farming, Russell enjoyed dancing on the weekends and is where he met the love of his life--Joan Lange. They were married in Morrill, Nebraska on October 5, 1958, and move to their farm that Russell started from scratch. They had three children, Sherri, Kent, and Brenda. As the family grew, Russell took on several jobs including National Guard duty as lead mechanic, and many long hours at the sugar factory. He loved to mechanic on all types of farm equipment and cars of every variety. He was known to locals as one of the best mechanics in Goshen County and he could fix just about anything that had a motor. People realized this and came to him for help on many occasions. Russell loved antique cars and farm equipment, and you could bet he would be at any auction in the local area that had equipment or cars for sale. Russell and Joan raised their family at their farm and were married for 65 years. They were both known for their generosity and their love of being with their 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. They passed on many farming and ranching traditions that are carried on today. He is survived by his three children, Sherri (John) Herbst, Kent Shannon, Brenda (Jeff) Johnson and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Russell William Shannon

December 1, 1936 - January 21, 2025