Terry Shanafelt, age 69, of Salem, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at his home with his family by his side.
Terry was born on December 17, 1954, in Salem, the son of Kenneth and Eileen (Day) Shanafelt. He married Jana Mills on December 9, 1977, at Youngs Chapel Christian Church, and they shared 46 years of loving marriage. Together, they built a wonderful life in Salem, raising two sons, Scott Shanafelt of Salem, and Steve Shanafelt and his wife Jessi, also of Salem. Terry was a proud Papa to two grandsons, Carter and Luka Shanafelt, who brought him immense joy. His siblings, Jerry Shanafelt and wife Cathy, Gary Don Shanafelt and wife Sharon, and Sherry Williams and husband Bill all of Odin, were always cherished. Terry is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gene Mills Jr. and wife Rita of Oklahoma, Jack Mills and wife Kelley of Salem, Joyce Viera and husband Greg of Salem, and Becky Rankin of Colorado; and several nieces and nephews. Terry’s niece, Katie King and her husband Nate, provided loving care and help during the last days of Terry’s time here on Earth.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Larry Shanafelt; grandmother, Jenny Schneider; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, M.E. “Gene” and Ferne Mills.
A dedicated educator, Terry retired from Belleville West Junior High School after many years of teaching. Prior to his teaching career, he worked for World Color Press for 15 years. He was also an active and committed member and Deacon of Youngs Chapel Christian Church in Salem, where his faith played a central role in his life. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, Terry enjoyed following his favorite team and sharing that passion with his family. He found joy in mowing, muscle cars, motorcycles, and his tractor.
Funeral services to honor Terry’s life will be held at Noon on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Youngs Chapel Christian Church in Salem, officiated by Rusty Courson and Gene Mills. Following the service, Terry will be laid to rest at Paradise Cemetery in Salem. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at the church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of the service. In keeping with the family’s wishes, visitors are encouraged to dress casually and wear their St. Louis Cardinals attire, no Cubs attire allowed!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Youngs Chapel Christian Church or to a fund supporting the Belleville-West Jr. High Industrial Arts Program, with checks made payable to Jana Shanafelt, and these will be accepted at the church or at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, which is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.CrouseFH.com.
