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Bryon Shakespeare

November 13, 1957 – July 24, 2026

Bryon “Bear” Lee Shakespeare, age 68, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on November 13, 1957, in Grinnell, Iowa, Bryon was the son of the late Carl Leroy Shakespeare and Jacqueline Joy (Spence) Shakespeare.

In his youth, Bryon was full of life and energy—whether he was playing football, stepping onto the softball field, or picking away at his guitar. He carried that strong work ethic into his career, eventually retiring after many dedicated years with AT&T. Outside of work, Bryon was a true handyman and tinkerer who loved getting his hands dirty working on cars, as well as restoring and playing arcade machines. He was also a lifelong enthusiast of Bigfoot lore and loved nothing more than diving into video games alongside his grandkids.

Above all else, Bryon’s true passion was his family. He married the love of his life, soulmate and best friend, Barbara Jean (Thomas) Shakespeare—affectionately known as “BJ”—and together they built a beautiful life and a loving family over 44 devoted years of marriage.

Bryon was the ultimate family man—a proud, gentle, and utterly selfless father and grandfather. He was the kind of dad and granddad who wore his heart on his sleeve: he was more than happy to sit patiently while the girls styled his hair into a head full of ponytails or painted his nails, proudly wearing their creations for anyone and everyone to see. His family meant the absolute world to him, and he loved them with every ounce of his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Jacqueline Shakespeare.
Bryon’s legacy of love, humor, and devotion will be carried on by his beloved wife, Barbara “BJ” Shakespeare; his three children: oldest daughter Amanda Lemcke and her husband Mark, son Brandon Shakespeare, and youngest daughter Shawna Shakespeare; his sister, Bobbi Govro and her husband Mark; and his cherished grandchildren: Johnathan, Dylan, Madison, and Cheyenne.
He also leaves behind a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and countless loved ones whose lives were touched by his warmth and character.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

5 Comments

  1. Shawna/Bubbley on August 4, 2026 at 3:18 pm

    I love you and I miss you so very much Daddy. You are missed tremendously, and thought of every day.

    Me, Dylan, and Maddy love you so much.



  2. Catherine LALLA-Duckworth on August 4, 2026 at 3:44 pm

    Bryon was my best friend of 50 years! He was so full of passion for life He was a great guy I am a better person for having him as my best friend He was one of a kind special guy! There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do! My heart will be forever broken 💔🙏🏼for his loving wife and family who I know having 💔💔!



  3. JC (Beep) on August 4, 2026 at 5:44 pm

    Rest in Peace brother! You will definitely be missed by many. Always enjoyed our chats and seeing what you were working on, was always a surprise and something special. Prayers lifted for peace and comfort for his loving family and friends.



  4. Amanda / Mandy on August 4, 2026 at 5:59 pm

    Daddy,
    Thank you for the amazing 44years I got to spend with you. I still wake up finding myself waiting for you to send me a message telling me that you love me or ribbing me especially with the ford & Chevy debates we share. I love you so much Daddy you will always continue being the only sunshine in my shadow.
    Till we meet again soon rest easy Daddy. ❤️ Always Mandy



  5. Amanda / Mandy on August 4, 2026 at 6:00 pm

    Daddy,
    Thank you for the amazing 44years I got to spend with you. I still wake up finding myself waiting for you to send me a message telling me that you love me or ribbing me especially with the ford & Chevy debates we share. I love you so much Daddy you will always continue being the only sunshine in my shadow.
    Till we meet again soon rest easy Daddy. ❤️ Always Mandy



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