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Shon Patrick McDonough


Shon Patrick McDonough went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 20, 2024, from his home in Urbandale, Iowa.


Shon was born to Mary (Griffin) and William McDonough on March 29, 1954, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in the Des Moines area and attended East High School. During high school, Shon was actively involved in Youth for Christ International (Campus Life), where he met Andrea. They were married in October of 1974. While most of their married life was spent in the Des Moines area, they also lived for several years in Madelia, Minnesota. Shon loved the community, being close to family, and raising his three kids in a small-town environment. He was an active member of the community as part of the Jaycees and participated in both men’s golf and bowling leagues. He also served as a leader for Awana at the Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont, Minnesota.


Shon was a mason by trade. While he worked in many fields over his career, Shon was happiest when laying brick, block, or stone. He took great pride in his work, often pointing out buildings and projects he had worked on, sharing the stories behind them. When he could no longer work in construction, Shon began working for UPS as an over the road driver. He retired from UPS in 2020.


A devoted family man and an epic storyteller, Shon loved engaging with others. These qualities came together perfectly when he fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams in 2023: driving the iconic Glacier National Park touring cars known as the Red Busses. Known affectionately as “Jammer Shon, your geriatric tour guide,” Shon entertained passengers with his stories as he narrated tours across the park, including the renowned Going-to-the-Sun Road. The nickname “Jammer” stems from the sounds of the gears jamming in the original buses’ manual transmissions. Having visited the park many times with his family, Shon delighted in sharing tales of their hikes and wildlife encounters with his passengers.

Shon is survived by his wife, Andrea; son, Shon McDonough Jr. (Elaine), and grandchildren Braeden and Rori; daughter, Erin McDonough; daughter, Keri (Clayton) Guthrie and granddaughter; his sister, MaryAnn Crandall; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister, Kathleen McDonough.


A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Road in West Des Moines, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to support the ongoing mission of the Youth for Christ Iowa chapter, which brings young people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Donations can be made by mail to Iowa Youth for Christ, PO Box 243, Mason City, Iowa, 50402, or online at give.giyfc.org. A private interment service will be held at a later date.



 

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