Omega Frater Robert Shannon Sr., longtime Detroit museum supporter dies at 89

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Robert F. Shannon Sr. was an active member of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History since its conception and president of its board of trustees for more than 20 years.

Admired by family and friends for his resourcefulness and continued dedication to the museum, he was constantly devising innovative ways to help drum up support for the museum, his son said. Among them were the Buy A Brick Campaign, the Million Dollar Club and golf tournaments.

“Dr. Wright was undoubtedly the visionary and architect of the museum, but Robert Shannon Sr. was the general contractor,” said his son Charles Shannon. “He helped Dr. Wright, who was a longtime friend, fraternity brother and classmate, to implement his vision.”

Mr. Shannon, a Detroit resident, died Jan. 19 of congestive heart failure. He was 89.

Born in Montgomery, Ala., he received a bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University in 1940.

Family and friends said Mr. Shannon also gave immeasurably to his family, his alma mater, his fraternity (Omega Psi Phi) and his church.

“I have lost a dear friend and a fellow Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church deacon,” said Judge Damon J. Keith of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. “Robert Shannon was a man of integrity, character and compassion.”

A funeral service is set for 11 a.m. today at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2080 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. Family hour is to precede the service at 10 a.m.

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