John Thomas Shay, 70, of Elizabeth, Arkansas, passed away February 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born November 18, 1953, in Morris, Illinois, the son of Ralph and Kathryn Biondic Shay. John retired to Elizabeth Arkansas in 2020 after living in Morris, Illinois for over 60 years. He owned his own roofing business and worked in the carpenters union local 916. His hobbies included collecting antiques, car restoration, boating, and living life to the fullest. He was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. Tom never met a stranger and was loved by everyone he met. He will be remembered by those who loved him.
Tom is survived by his partner, Tammie Knobeloch of Elizabeth, AR; daughter, Erin (Kyle) Carli of Shorewood, IL; two sons, Aric (Treesa) Shay of Aurora, IL, and Matt (Aryn) Shay of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Tyler Carli, Ben Carli, Aria Shay, William Carli, and Jenna Shay; mother, Kathryn Shay; brothers, Michael Shay, Kelly (Patty) Shay, and Tim Shay; sister, Jacqueline Shay Parkhill; and his previous wife, Edith (Don) Pantol.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Shay.
Visitation will be Friday, February 16, 2024, from 9:00 am until service time, at St. Peter The Fisherman Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass will follow the visitation at 10:00 am, with Father Norbert Rappold as Celebrant. Burial will be in the Baxter Memorial Gardens, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks.
Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at
www.kirbyandfamily.com
.