Shannon Eugene Kathary, 38, of Ligonier, Ind., passed away on Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind., as the result of a stroke suffered on Saturday, July 20, 2013.

He was born on June 4, 1975, to Eugene and Kim (Miller) Kathary in Goshen, Ind. On Aug. 3, 1996, he married Candy Swank. She survives.

Shannon graduated from West Noble High School in 1993 and went on to attend Ball State. He later graduated from IPFW with a degree in music education. He had a passion for music and the arts. He was currently serving as the full-time youth pastor and worship director at Ligonier United Methodist Church.

He had been on several domestic mission trips, serving side-by-side with the people he led. He also helped lead many young people, and others, to fuller lives through the love of Jesus Christ. Shannon loved to camp, play cards and games and cheer on his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Above all, he was a dedicated family man who deeply loved life, his wife and children. He was a faithful Christian who never hid his passion for Christ.

He is survived by his five children: Nicholas, Neal, Rebecca, Leah and Noah, all at home; his parents; a sister: Melinda Kathary; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, at The CrossWalk at Ligonier United Methodist Church, Ligonier. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday Aug. 5, at The CrossWalk, with Pastors Byron and Candy Kaiser officiating. Burial will take place at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell, Ind. Yeager Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway S.; Ligonier, IN 46767.