Michael Frank Stanelle

Michael Frank Stanelle, 73, of Shawneetown, Illinois, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2020, at the Harrisburg Medical Center in Harrisburg.  He was born on October 5, 1946 in Shawneetown, the son of the late Dr. Wilber Frank Stanelle M.D. and Ronita Ruth Osby.  Mike married the former Melanie J. McWhirter on April 21, 2001.  He retired from GTE/ Verizon as a telephone repairman and was Mayor of Shawneetown for many years.  Mike was a Air Force veteran and a member of the Shawneetown American Legion Post 585.  He was an avid Cubs fan along with his brother and father.  Mike was a happy person and never met a stranger.  Little kids, dogs, and old people loved Mike and he loved them back with a smile and friendship.  He will be missed being seen on his front porch which he loved and his boat on the Ohio River.  Mike leaves behind his beloved wife, Melanie J. Stanelle of Shawneetown; his step son, James and Katheryn McWhirter of West Salem; two sisters, Sandy Stanelle Butts of Henderson, Kentucky and Gail Stanelle Wenzel of Paris; one brother, Greg and Becky Stanelle of Shawneetown; three grandchildren, Anna Kate Stanelle of Harrisburg, Jordan and Austin McWhirter of West Salem; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Barney.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tracie Annette Stanelle.  Visitation for Mike will be held on Sunday, September 13th from 11 a.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown.  Tom Harmon will officiate the service.  Burial with military rites by the Gallatin County American Legion at Westwood Cemetery near Shawneetown.  Due to Covid-19, social distancing and masks will be required.