Joshua Michael Shimkus, 36, of Paducah, died Monday, December 11, 2017 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center as a result of injuries sustained at work.
Josh was born in Paducah, KY on December 1, 1981. He was a man of strong faith who found his Christian home at Salt and Light Community Church. He graduated Reidland High School in 2000, where he showed interest in vocational trade training. Upon graduation and until 2012, Josh worked at Lourdes Hospital as a patient transporter. He entered into the Laborers Local #1214 Union and was employed by G.UB.MK Constructors, a company that works closely with TVA, Shawnee Steam Plant. Josh was a friendly, positive jokester who never met a stranger, never had a bad word to say about anyone and enjoyed giving nicknames to friends, family and co-workers. He was a wrestling fan and enthusiastic follower of comics, collecting paraphernalia and awaiting anxiously the release of new movies such as Avengers and all DC Comics. A guitar enthusiast, Josh’s favorite musician was Johnny Cash. He played his music loud enough in his car that his family could hear him well in advance of his arrival. His amazing sense of humor and caring spirit will be missed by his family and friends. Most importantly, his twin daughters were the love of his life and he talked about them continuously to anyone who would listen.
Surviving are a large and loving family, parents, Michael and Kathy Egner Shimkus; twin daughters, Ava Jane Shimkus and Mya Kate Shimkus; sisters, Ashley (Jason) Shimkus Roland of Reidland and Katie (John) Shimkus Byerly of Symsonia; niece, Kaylee Grace Roland; nephew, Reed Samuel Roland; aunts, Kay (Rock) Egner Araki, Brenda (Mark) Shimkus Dodd, Lisa (Lindy) Shimkus Suiter; uncles, Russell (Joanne) Egner and Dean Roberts; cousins, Tommy (Lisa) Moore, Kerry Egner, Greg (Suzanne) Roberts, Todd (Sherry) Roberts, Shaun (Kristen) Roberts, Ben (Amber) Egner, Tina (Mike) Egner Iervese, Jenny (Jeff) Araki Sedberry, Shan (Kevin) Araki Davis, Melanie Egner, Daniel (Gabby) Dodd, and Lakin Suiter; special cousin, Shela Egner; and other cousins and friends.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Bennie Riley Egner, Ernestine Egner, and Don and Shirley Shimkus; aunts , Carolyn (Charles) Egner Moore, and Linda Egner Roberts; uncle, Tommy Egner; and cousin, MaKayla Grace Davis.
Funeral services will be held at 2pm Sunday at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Revs. Tommy Moore and Jim Glover officiating. Burial will follow at Wallace Cemetery in Elva, KY.
Visitation will be held Saturday evening from 4-8pm at the funeral home.
A trust fund for his daughters, Ava and Mya, will be set up through US Bank. Contributions may be made to any branch location.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
