Alan R. Shoptaw, 74, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away at 1:39 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at John Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
He was born December 30, 1950, in Granite City, the son of the late Raymond C. and Zilka (Martin) Shoptaw.
He retired from Spectrulite Consortium in Madison after many years of dedicated service. The United States Army veteran proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Granite City American Legion and was a big fan of John Wayne. He enjoyed his days of fishing with his grandkids, watching old western movies, playing the gambling machines and special times spent with family and friends.
He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Tyson Phillips of Iuka, Illinois; a sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Thomas Schmitt of Waterloo, Illinois; six grandchildren, Dalton Kirk, Katlyn Wilson, Blane Phillips, Austin Culver, Brianna Culver and Mittfred Dotson; niece, Angela Snell; two nephews, Hugh B. Snell and Brian T. and wife, Janese Schmitt; great nieces; great nephews; aunts; other extended family and friends.
In addition to his beloved parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Becky Denise Snell and his special friend, Jeannie Brooks.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Monday, March 10, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Sharon Autenrieht officiating.
Burial with military honors will follow at Buck Road Cemetery in Maryville.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
