Michael Shamen

Michael P. Shamen, age 62, of Meta, passed away Monday, April 23, 2012, at his home in the care of his loving family. He was born March 14, 1950, in New York, New York, a son of John and Stella Worobec Shamen. Mike was united in marriage to Glenda Legg Blair on April 11, 1981, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Glenda survives at their home. He received a BA in Broadcast Journalism from St. John's University in New York and his MA in Computer Programming from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. Mike served his country in the United States Army for more than 11 years, achieving the rank of Captain. Following his service in the Armed Forces, he went to work for the Missouri Department of Corrections. At the time of his death, he was a computer programmer analyst at JCCC. For the past 15 years, Mike and Glenda have resided in Meta, where they built their dream home on a few acres near town so he could hunt. Mike was proud of his Ukrainian heritage, which is evident by the many keepsakes in his home. He also kept a bit of his childhood with him, proudly displaying the model trains he had collected as a boy. He played Santa Claus at Christmas time, wearing a full length "old fashioned" red cloak made especially for him by his sister-in-law, Judy Sullivan. Mike and Glenda enjoyed the time they spent together traveling, but most of all, he loved the time he could spend with his family. In addition to his wife of 31 years, he is survived by five children, Donna Hunter and husband Chris of Laurie; Richard Blair and wife Jennifer of Ashland; Cindy Blair of Jefferson City; Russell Blair and wife Kristy of Meta and Sharlet Peterson and husband Brad of Linn; one brother, John Shamen and wife Ada of Glen Cove, New York; one sister, Rosanne Huda and husband Orest of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, Amber Jackson and husband James, David and Kristen Blair, Kayla and Justin Peterson and Tyler and Tiffany Shepherd, one great- granddaughter, Haily Jackson, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and two grandsons, Kenneth Parrish and Matthew Peterson. In keeping with Mike's wishes, he will be cremated. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Russellville. A Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, with Elder Danny Goold and Elder Clarence Goold officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Meta Fire and Rescue. www.scrivner-morrow.com