Retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant John Howard Shapel, 73, of Iola, Kansas, died Saturday, March 14, 2009, at the Moran Manor. John was born July 2, 1935, at Carlyle, Kansas, the son of Amel and Minnie (Plumb) Shapel. He grew up in Gas City and worked in the oil fields with his Dad before graduating from Iola High School. John married Elaine Deer in 1964 and they later divorced. John joined the U.S. Marine Corps serving at the end of the Korean conflict and four tours of Vietnam. He retired from the service in 1974 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Purple Heart among many other military honors. After his military duty, he worked for Phillips Petroleum and lived and worked in numerous communities and for Halliburton out of Bronson, Kansas. John enjoyed fishing, woodworking, hunting and watching the history channel. SURVIVORS: Mother of his children & Best Friend: Elaine Gibbons of Ft. Scott, KS 2 Sons: Mike Shapel of Iola, KS and Jason Shapel & wife, Michelle of Iola, KS 1 Daughter: Lori Stewart & husband, Bryan of Bronson, KS 8 Grandchildren 2 Sisters: Mary Wagner of Zanesville, OH and Elizabeth "Betty" Burton & husband, Claude of Abilene, TX He was preceded in death by a brother, William and sister, Grace. GRAVESIDE SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at Highland Cemetery in Iola, with military honors. Chaplain Lloyd W. Houk will officiate. VISITATION: 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, prior to leaving for the cemetery. MEMORIAL: Veterans Of Foreign Wars Memorial gifts may be left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.