Shannon Mayo Culwell, Sr. age 83, of Vandalia, MO, passed away at 1:07 am Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Baptist Homes of Tri-County in Vandalia, MO.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Thursday, September 24, 2026 at the Waters Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in the Culwell Mausoleum at the Vandalia Cemetery.

Visitation celebrating Shannon's life will be held 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday September 23, 2026 at the Waters Funeral Home.

Shannon Mayo Culwell was born on January 16, 1943, to Samuel Mayo and Fayetta Mae Culwell. He grew up south of Vandalia, Missouri, where he attended South Carter Elementary School and graduated in 1961 from Van-Far High School.

Shannon began his working career at Heim Equipment in Laddonia, where he developed a lifelong passion for Allis-Chalmers tractors. On November 25, 1962, he married the love of his life, Linda Lou Gooch. Together, they built a life centered around family, farming and their community.

Shannon and Linda spent their life farming. Shannon dedicated himself to the row-crop operation, raising corn, soybeans and wheat while Linda focused on the swine operation. Over the years, they continued to expand their farming operation, farming more acres, swine operation and building Culwell Farms into a way of life that represented their hard work, dedication and love for the land.

Shannon's passion for Allis-Chalmers tractors continued throughout his life. He enjoyed restoring Allis-Chalmers tractors to their original condition, taking great pride in bringing each one back to life. Every year, Shannon, his family and friends would parade the restored tractors in the Prairie Days parade. He always looked forward to that special day of showing the tractors, visiting with friends and sharing something he loved with the community.

Shannon and Linda were blessed with two children, a daughter, Sheila Melynn, and a son, Shannon Mayo Culwell Jr. Family was at the center of Shannon's life, and he took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He was a proud grandfather to Treyson Culwell, Samuel Middleton, Annalynn Culwell and Reece Culwell.

Shannon was an active member of Central Union Church, where he served as Superintendent of the Sunday School. His faith and his church family were an important part of his life. He also believed in supporting the community and generously contributed to community events and causes over the years.

Shannon will be remembered for his love of farming, his passion for Allis-Chalmers tractors, his devotion to his family, and his willingness to support his church and community. His life was one of hard work, faith, family and service.

Shannon was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Mayo and Fayetta Mae Culwell; his son, Shannon Mayo Culwell Jr.; and his daughter-in-law, Felicity Goodpasture-Culwell.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Linda Lou Culwell; his daughter, Sheila Melynn (Greg) Frost; his grandchildren, Treyson (Megan) Culwell, Samuel Middleton, Annalynn Culwell and Reece Culwell; and his brother, Merle (Sue) Culwell.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Union Church.

Pallbearers will be Treyson Culwell, Samuel Middleton, Reece Culwell, Jeff Culwell, JC Davis and Alan Wright.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Heim, Charlie Wright, Jack Reid, Merle Culwell, Jim Mac Elzea and Raymond Miller.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Shannon's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com