Joseph William Shinners

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Our hero, Officer Joseph William Shinners, 29, succumbed to injuries sustained in the line of duty January 5, 2019.

First and foremost, Joe was a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend.

Joe was born September 25, 1989 in Boston, MA to John William Shinners and Kathleen Helene Clark. He was raised in Boxford, MA and Springville, UT. He attended Springville Junior High, where he met the love of his life, Kaylyn. He graduated from Springville High School, where he played soccer and hockey, alongside his sister, Carolyn, and brother, Tom. Joe was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served an honorable mission in El Salvador. Joe and Kaylyn were married on February 24, 2012 in the Draper Temple. Joe graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the Utah Valley University. He then pursued a successful career in law enforcement with the Provo Police Department. In the last three years, he has excelled in his career, he was a member of the SWAT team, the bike patrol, and was a field training officer.  One of Joe's proudest moments of his life was welcoming his precious son, Logan, into the world. Joe adored spending time with Kaylyn and Logan.

Joe is such a strong person, he was devastated when his sister and best friend, Carolyn passed away. Through his loss, he said he had two choices, he could let it destroy him or he could use it to be a better person. He certainly became a better person and anyone who knows him can testify to that.

If there was a word to describe Joe, it would be passionate. He was passionate about his family, friends and work. He lived life to the fullest and inspired us to do the same. Joe would light up any room he walked into with his genuine compassion for others and sense of humor. To Joe strangers became friends and friends became family. Joe would always welcome people with a warm embrace and his "Joebility."

Joe exemplified the perfect example of service. He was readily available to lend a helping hand to his mom, grandparents or friends. Joe raised the bar for others around him- encouraging them to rise to their potential. He treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Through our grief, we will strive to honor Joe's legacy by opening up our broken hearts to those around us. Let us be more kind, compassionate, understanding, charitable, loving and able to find a way to bring laughter to any situation.  Joe will forever be in our hearts, until we meet again.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Kaylyn, his precious son, Logan and his two fur pups Kira and Anne; his devoted parents, Kathy and Blair Baker and John and Cindy Shinners; his loyal siblings -  Mike Shinners (Heidi); Tom Shinners (Megan); Erin Michalzyck (Bobby); and Tanya Nelson; his adoring nieces and nephews; his grandparents - Fred and Maureen Clark; his loving father and mother in law - Ryan and Terryl Swanson and their children Trevor, Will, Kyle and Kendra Swanson and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Carolyn.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at the Utah Community Credit Union Center on the Campus of Utah Valley University.  Those wishing to pay their respects to Master Officer Shinners may do so Friday evening January 11, 2019 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LDS Church at 400 North 400 East in Springville.  Interment will take place in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuaries.com