Hal Shannon

Hal LeRoy Shannon, 64, of Riverton, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Hal was born July 31, 1961, in Red Cloud to Harold and Carol (Horton) Shannon. He grew up in the Riverton area and graduated from Franklin High School with the class of 1979. Though his school days came and went, Hal never lost his love for the Franklin Flyer athletics and remained a devoted supporter of high school sports throughout his life. It wouldn’t be a stretch to call him a “human encyclopedia” of high school wrestling. A lifetime sports enthusiast, Hal followed the Flyers and even became a commentator for the Flyer Football program. He was also an avid Husker sports fan until the very end. Later in life he picked up a passion for the game of golf, and made many friendships and memories on the course.

Following his graduation, Hal went to work for Knehans Farm before later working for the Coop in Red Cloud. For the last 20 years, up until his untimely passing, he worked as a county road maintainer. His hard work ethic and outgoing personality became known and loved by many.
Hal was blessed with raising four children: Justin, Heath, Shea, and Haley, who were the center of his world. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren. Whether attending events, sharing laughs, lending a helping hand, or simply being present, Hal treasured every moment with his family.

More than anything, Hal will be remembered for his larger than life personality. He was a “people person” through and through – someone who never knew a stranger and seemed to know no enemies. Many considered him a second dad, a brother, or one of their closest friends. He loved making people laugh and smile with the quirky and quick-witted one-liners and sayings he became notorious for over the years. His ability to brighten a room and make others feel welcomed was truly one of a kind.

Though his voice may now be silent, the memories, laughter, and stories he gave to so many will live on forever. In true Hal fashion, it only feels fitting to say one final time:

“This is Hal Shannon, voice of the Franklin Flyers, signing off.”

Preceding him in death are his parents, Harold and Carol Shannon; and brother, Howard Shannon.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Justin (Megan) Weaver of Holdrege, NE, Heath (Sadie) Shannon of Upland, NE, Shea Shannon of Franklin, NE, Haley Shannon of Kearney, NE; brother, Herb (Kay) Shannon of Riverton, NE; two grandchildren, Ronan and Declan Weaver; and countless friends.

Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at the Cross Gate Community Church in Franklin at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hal Shannon Memorial Fund for the family to designate at a later date, or the Cross Gate Community Church and may be sent in care of Williams & Kuehn Funeral Home, 241 West 4th Ave., Red Cloud, NE 68970.