Willard Byron Shallenberger

Asheville - Willard Byron Shallenberger (Panther of the Dawn), born June 26, 1950 in Connellsville, PA, died on December 7, 2006 after a long battle with a debilitating illness. He is survived by his daughter, Jaime Marie Shallenberger; son, Jason Byron Shallenberger; their mother, Kayla Ann Shallenberger; his father, Willard Layton Shallenberger; brothers, Kevin and Eric Shallenberger, sisters, Barbara Hollinger, Brenda Collins and Belinda Johnson and several nieces, nephews and many extended family members in PA and family friends Richard Sorrell and Georgia Ware. He is preceded in death by his mother, Janet Marie Shallenberger and longtime friend Robert Bowman (Brown Owl). Willard was a 1969 graduate of Marion High School in Marion IN. He received a technical degree in HVAC from Ivy Tech in Kokomo, IN. He entered the United States Marine Corps on April 30, 1969 and served his country proudly in the Vietnam War with the HCO/2nd/7th/1st Marine Div. He received the following medals: Purple Heart Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam service Medal with three bronze stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and two Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Medals. He was a devoted father, son and husband. He had an everlasting effect on those who knew him. He was proud of his achievements for his country, his family and his life. Special thanks to his Nurse Practitioner, HoChong S. Gillis and his entire Medical Team at McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond VA. Willard will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on March 23rd, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. In Lieu of flowers and gifts, monetary donations may be made in memory of Willard to Hospitality House, 612 East Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23219.