Shannon Dwayne Kilgore, 61
Shannon Dwayne Kilgore entered this world on November 14. 1963 to the late Shannon Lee Kilgore and the late Jessie Ann Justice in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He entered God’s loving arms on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 5:10pm at the Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, KY.
He was also preceded in death by his stepfather Paul Justice and stepmother Mary Lou Kilgore and one brother Estill Lee Sowards, II, both sets of grandparents – Elba and Walmer Kilgore (paternal) and Jessie Ray Taylor and Mary Ellen Green Bartley (Maternal) and two loving fur babies, Smokey and Isabella.
Shannon graduated Elkhorn City High School in 1981 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in October 21, 1981 and remained to make it a career. He retired on October 31, 2002 where he reached the rank of E-7 Master Sergeant of Armed Forces of the USAF. He had many work assignments within the United States at: Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Groom Lake (Area 51), Nevada, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia
He also had several Overseas Service assignments at: Kunsan Air Force Base, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia (Desert Storm), Kuwait (Desert Storm),
One of his favorite memories was when someone called the base to hire several people to provide security for Gene Simmons of Kiss, his all-time favorite group and singer. He said he was the nicest man.
He also received the following Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citation ribbons and Campaign ribbons which were awarded or authorized:
Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Professional Military Education Ribbon with Two Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon With One Service Star, National Defense Service Medal with One Service Star, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal with One Service Star, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award with Five Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Six Oak Leaf Clusters
After leaving the military he worked in IT for several companies, then as a truck driver at Schneider’s National, then for the State of Virginia Correctional Center for Women. Then moved back to his hometown to be near his current wife and together they opened three businesses in their hometown called Picture Perfect Photography, Elkhorn City Souvenirs & Gifts and The Elkhorn City Area Observer. A hometown newspaper. He operated these for 3 years before deciding to retire and enjoy life with the love of his life. Recently he was voted to take over the newsletter to the Elkhorn City Area Heritage Council (which he was a member of). He did the December issue and loved it. He had so many ideas for upcoming issues.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 12 years and 4 months, Michele Ann Kilgore of Belcher, KY, one daughter Vanessa Davis (Eddie) of Wingina, Va; one son Jeremy Kilgore of New Port News, VA; two sisters Michelle Kilgore of Frankfort, KY and Angie Sowards of Winchester, KY and two brothers Darren Kilgore of Woodstock, GA and Anthony Kilgore of Belcher, KY. Two grandchildren Ethan and Desire’ Davis of Wingina, VA. One special niece Bethany Hampton (Willie) of Little Robinson Creek, KY, Special Nephew Brandon (Tonya) France and two special great nieces Hannah Hampton, Harper Hampton and one special great nephew Mason Hampton of Lexington, KY. Along with 4 other nieces and 3 nephews and a host of aunts, uncles and friends and some very special friends that became “his tribe”. Also, Samantha, Gabi, Toby and Lucy his four-legged fur babies.
Visitation will be from 6-10PM Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with a service at 7PM. The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1PM from the chapel with burial to follow at Dow Brooks Cemetery, Draffin, KY. Military rites will be conducted by the Elkhorn City DAV Chapter #140.