Michael Ray Shular
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Michael Ray Shular, 67, passed away at his home on Dec 5, 2022, after a long journey with FTD. He was born to parents Leslie and Wilma Shular on Aug 17, 1955, in Peoria Illinois but grew up in Knoxville TN. As an adult he moved back to Peoria Illinois to work at Caterpillar Inc for 41 years. He started out in the factory and retired as a 3D Graphics Coordinator after completing an Associate's degree in Mechanical Design and an apprenticeship in Machine Repair. He married Eileen Getz in 1981.
He is survived by his wife Eileen, his children Steven Shular (Sara), Emily Shular (David Fonseca), and Aaron Shular, his parents Leslie and Wilma Shular, brother Gary Shular, grandchildren Hunter and Peyton Shular, special nephew Matthew and "sisters" Janie and Shirley. He was preceded in death by an infant grandson Brandon Shular.
Michael was an incredible artist. It was such a joy to watch him put pen to paper and see an image come forth from his imagination. It sprang from his pen in a series of lines and curves that would magically come together.
Michael was creative in every aspect of his life including drawing, carving, ceramics and even with how he played with and engaged with his children . There was nothing he couldn't fix or make and at no time was he ever too tired or too busy to interact with his children. He was the best Dad. He had a brilliant mind, and he was a gentle and kind. He was an avid hiker, bicyclist, and golfer. He had just recently joined the artistic community of Peoria (Central Illinois Artist Organization (CIAO), and The Peoria Art Guild) when the first signs of FTD appeared. He was very proud to show his art at the Peoria Riverfront Art Festival in 2015 and 2016. In 2018 he and his whole family moved from Peoria back to Knoxville TN where he could be close to his family in a welcoming new neighborhood and near the mountains that he loved.
Thank you to Amedisys Hospice, especially nurse Dee.
There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.
Donations can be made in his name to AFTD The Association for Frontotemporal Dementia.
AFTD
2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120
Ing of Prussia, PA 19406 (or online)
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Shular family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.gentrygriffey.com