A Life Dedicated to Service

Lee Augustus Shannon III, a pillar of the Antioch community and a highly esteemed figure in the fire service and emergency management field, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the age of 69. Born on June 15, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Lee Augustus Shannon II and Beverly Jane Schuster, Lee’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to serving others.

Lee’s passion for the fire service ignited in 1983 when he joined the Grayslake Fire Protection District as a volunteer. Driven by a desire to protect and serve his community, he embarked on a rigorous path of education and training, becoming an Emergency Management Technician, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Hazardous Materials Technician, Emergency Medical Paramedic, and Emergency Services and Disaster/Emergency Management member.

His dedication and expertise earned him full-time positions at the Grayslake Fire District, Antioch Fire Department, and Fox Lake Fire Protection District. In 1989, Lee was appointed as the Safety Inspector for the Village of Antioch and subsequently as the Emergency Management Director in 1990. His tireless efforts and leadership played a pivotal role in enhancing public safety and disaster preparedness in the area.

Leadership in Emergency Management

Lee’s legacy extended beyond his local community. He was an active member of the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA) and served as its President, contributing to statewide initiatives to improve emergency response and preparedness. He also played a key role in establishing the Emergency Management Assistance Team, where he served as coordinator and team leader.

Recognizing the importance of ongoing professional development, Lee joined the Illinois Professional Emergency Management Association. His leadership and expertise led him to become the North Region’s Director, where he mentored and supported aspiring emergency management professionals.

Lee’s unwavering dedication to emergency preparedness was further demonstrated through his involvement in the Incidents Management Assistance Team. His ability to coordinate and manage large-scale emergencies was instrumental in mitigating risks and saving lives.

A Devoted Family Man

While Lee’s career accomplishments were impressive, his family was the true source of his joy and fulfillment. He was deeply in love with his wife, Diane Margaret Wolfe, whom he married at the Lehmann Mansion in Lake Villa, Illinois, on November 19, 1989. Together, they had two children, Brittani and Lee IV, who brought immense happiness and purpose to his life.

Lee cherished every moment with his family. He loved exploring nature with them, embarking on camping adventures that created lasting memories. His involvement in his children’s lives was unwavering, even when his demanding work schedule necessitated detours to cheer them on at sporting events.

Legacy and Impact

Lee Augustus Shannon III leaves behind an indelible mark on the community he served. His unwavering dedication to the fire service and emergency management field has undoubtedly made his hometown and the state of Illinois a safer place.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his children, Brittani (Michael Lehman) and Lee IV (Sarah Brulz); his cherished granddaughters, Summer Williams and RoxAnne Lehmann; his siblings, George Lee Shannon (Maria), Penelope Jane (John Kopecky), Gene James Shannon (Leah), Ellen Marie (Wayne Blake), and Beverly Ann Shannon (Rob Rabe); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lee was predeceased by his parents, Lee II and Beverly Jane Schuster; his uncles, Julius “Sonny” Schuster, Jean Christensen, George Schuster, and William Blake; and countless friends and colleagues from the fire service and emergency management community.

Memorial Arrangements

Visitation for Lee Augustus Shannon III will be held from 3:00PM to 8:00PM on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the STRANG FUNERAL HOME OF ANTIOCH, located at 1055 Main St. in Antioch, Illinois. Additional visitation will be held from 9:00AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the funeral home.

Lee’s final resting place will be at Warren Cemetery in Gurnee, Illinois, in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Antioch Fire Department or the Illinois Professional Emergency Management Association in Lee’s memory.