Marilyn L. “Marlin” Shannon, 82, formerly of Leawood, KS died Monday, December 18th, 2024, at Medicalodge in Atchison, KS. Marilyn moved to Atchison, KS in 2023. She made many friends in her short time here.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, 800 Kansas Ave, Atchison, KS. Burial will be private at the Corinth Cemetery, Prairie Village, KS. The family will receive friends between 10:00 am and 11:00 am prior to the service. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.
Marilyn Lee Mahale was born on Aug. 11, 1942, in Kansas City, KS the daughter of Milan and Connie (Squires) Mahale. She graduated from Wyandotte High School, Kansas City, KS in 1960. She attended Kansas City Kansas Community College. Marilyn married Clarence “Mike” Shannon in 1964.
Known professionally as Marilyn Marlin, Marilyn was a professional pianist and entertainer at sev-eral locations in Kansas City, MO. She started her career at the Plaza Royale Restaurant at the age of 18, moved to the Muehlebach Hotel, Eddy’s Downtown, and the Hilton Hotel. Her career high-light was when she played at the Alameda Plaza Hotel for 17 years starting in 1972. Marilyn last played at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott Hotel for 19 years starting in 1990. She played for the Inauguration of Kansas Governor John Carlin in 1983 and for the Citizenship party for Mrs. Ewing Kauffman in 1976. While on vacation in Las Vegas, NV Marilyn was able to play a song on one of Liberace’s favorite pianos. Her playing career spanned 50 years. Everyone simply knew her as Marilyn.
Marilyn loved her Leawood, KS home, her cats, and her son’s dogs. Fall leaf colors, sunrises and sunsets, and looking at the moon made her very happy. She celebrated every holiday and loved to decorate.
Marilyn loved her family, friends, customers, co-workers, holidays, flowers, and pets. Marilyn was a hard worker and it showed by how many long-term customers came to see her perform. Marilyn particularly loved holidays, especially during the Christmas seasons when she played the piano while looking at the Country Club Plaza Lights from the Alameda Plaza Hotel.
During her brief stay at Medicalodge of Atchison, KS Marilyn enjoyed the company of her new found friends and loving staff members. Though her health had been declining in recent years, Marilyn made every day special for those around her. She will be missed by all.
Survivors include her son Scott and his wife Lynnette Shannon, of Atchison, KS. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents.
