John Edward Goldsby

                                                                                   John “Shon” Edward Goldsby

                                                                            October 18, 1946 – September 9, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John “Shon” Edward Goldsby, our beloved father, grandfather and friend, who passed away on September 9, 2023 at the age of 76. He is remembered fondly for his love of his family, caring for his dogs and working on the family genealogy tree. John “Shon” Edward Goldsby was born on October 18, 1946, to Betty Goldsby and Edward Goldsby in Missoula, Montana. He grew up in Missoula, the oldest brother to twin brothers, Thomas Goldsby and Gerald Goldsby. He loved to talk about growing up in Montana as a boy, working on his family’s farm and spending time with his grandfather, who gave him the name Shon. He was a lifetime avid hunter and fisherman. He also spent many hours making remote control model Navy ships and submarines early in his Navy career, often with his sons Rowel and Shon. He was always willing to help family and friends who needed help with a project, needed advice or just a friendly chat. He loved taking care of the people that he loved.

Shon is survived by his brother Lin “Elddy” Goldsby (wife Hsiu Lin Hwa) (nephew Chung Y L Goldsby, and niece Chang C L Goldsby), daughter Lee Ann (Andersen) Cox, son Shon Goldsby (wife Patricia “Trish” Moore-Goldsby), son Rowell Goldsby (wife Sheila), stepdaughter Rowena Diaz, stepson Robert Diaz, stepson Rodrigo Diaz, stepdaughter Rachel Wahlberg and stepdaughter Ruth Diaz-Davis, stepdaughter Carolyn Kobayashi (partner Cory Scotti), stepson David Welker (wife Heather Welker), grandchildren Skyler, Noah, and Dylan (Shon’s children), Brian, Alvin, and Gabriel (Rowel’s children), Olivia, Austin, Sarah, Elizabeth, Abigail, and Michael (Lee Ann’s children), and Jillian (David’s daughter) who will forever cherish the memories created with him. He is preceded in death by his parents Betty and Edward, his wife Janice, and his son Reuben.

Shon served in the Navy for nearly 30 years, proudly defending our country's freedom. His unwavering dedication to duty took him to various deployments, including Vietnam and the Philippines. He received several medals and awards during his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Southeast Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Battle “E” Ribbon, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. John “Shon” Edward Goldsby was proud to have served his country as a Sonar Level II Technician, achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

A funeral to celebrate the life of John “Shon” Edward Goldsby will be held on November 16, 2023 at 9:30 AM. He will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the ASPCA in honor of John “Shon” Edward Goldsby.