Shannon Joseph Woolsey

Shannon Joseph Woolsey, 78, passed away peacefully Feb 5, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Olathe, KS

Shannon was the oldest son of Dale and Katherine Woolsey. He was born Feb 1,1948 in Garnet, KS.

Because of his special needs, he attended Parsons State Hospital and Training Center in Parsons, KS from age 8 until 21. He worked with farm animals, in the automotive shop, and in the greenhouse.

He enjoyed coming home for holidays and summer vacation.

Because he was mechanically inclined, he loved helping brother Steve work on cars in the back yard.

Later he moved to a group home in Olathe, KS. He worked for several landscaping companies and spent 10 years at Ace Hardware in Olathe watering plants in spring and summer and assembled snow shovels and other tools in the winter.

Shannon was active in KS Special Olympics from 1977 to 2010. He participated in track & field events, softball, basketball, cross-country skiing and bocce ball. In 1987 he was inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame.

Shannon spent the last two years at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Olathe. Wheelchair bound, he would cruise the halls laughing and joking with staff and residents. Everyone loved him and knew him by name.

He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Benedict and husband Roger, brother Steve Woolsey and wife Jeanne, niece Kristie Kern and nephews, Kevin Benedict, Dave Woolsey, Scott Woolsey and Rick Woolsey.

A private family graveside will be held.

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