By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

INDIAN HILL - In 1957, Francis X. Shannon was elected to a three-year term on the board of trustees of the Madeira & Indian Hill Fire Company.

He stayed for 45 years.

Mr. Shannon, a retired manager for the D.H. Baldwin Co., died May 10 at Jewish Hospital. He was 88.

He was "instrumental to the growth and change of the fire company," said Barb Hauck, a member of the board.

He was president when the Madeira & Indian Hill Fire Company became the Joint Fire District in 1985.

During his tenure, Mr. Shannon was involved in hiring four fire chiefs, including the present chief, Steve Ashbrock. He also helped move the company to the new Madeira station in 1960, develop a communications system that included the Indian Hill Rangers in 1961 and computerize the district in 1986.

"Fran Shannon was an accomplished and fascinating man," Hauck said. "He brought dedication, wit, charm, compassion and sound thinking to the board. He has left an indelible imprint through his contributions that will long serve the future of the Joint Fire District."

Mr. Shannon grew up in Walnut Hills and graduated from St. Xavier High School, where he was captain of the basketball team.

He was captain of three sports at the University of Cincinnati, where he received an engineering degree. Mr. Shannon was an alternate in the 1936 Olympics in the 110-meter high hurdles after finishing second behind Jesse Owens. He was also a professional golfer for a year in 1946.

He started out as an engineer at Baldwin and was later promoted to director of purchases, according to his son, Stephen W. Shannon of Roselawn. He retired in 1980.

Mr. Shannon was involved in Long Branch Farm, where for some 20 years, he gave delightful tours and much detail to children who had never seen a farm.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Bade Shannon, in 2002.

Survivors include two other sons, Francis X. Shannon III of Princeton, N.J., and Michael T.M. Shannon of Chevy Chase, Md.; and four grandchildren.

Services have been held. Burial was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Montgomery.

Memorials: Long Branch Farm Education Program, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150;or Green Acres, 8255 Spooky Hollow Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com