John C. Shevlin, 77, of Palm Springs, CA, sadly passed away on Sunday February 7th, 2021. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Carolee J. Shevlin; daughters Rosemary A. Shevlin and Nancy E. Shevlin; granddaughter Mia Rose Weninger; sisters Barbara Shevlin Dhooge and Mary Shevlin Interdonato; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Son of Dr. Charles F. Shevlin and Catharine M. Shevlin, John was born in Kansas City, MO on June 2nd, 1943, but spent most of his youth in St. Joseph's, MO, a place he always referred to as "Old Saint Jo." He received his undergraduate degree with honors in History at Dartmouth College in 1965, and went on to the Stanford University School of Law. While at Stanford in 1967, he took a summer job at Glacier National Park, where he fatefully met Carolee, a student at the University of Washington at the time. They were married in Everett, WA on August 22nd, 1970. John worked briefly at the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Two in Riverside County before forming Schlecht, Shevlin & Shoenberger, A Law Corporation, in 1971.

John was an active member of numerous charities and organisations, most notably the Palm Springs Community Concert Association, for which he served as President, Director, and Secretary over the years. He also served as Vice President of Subscriptions with the Palm Springs Friends of the Philharmonic. John was a lover of opera and classical music, and devoted much of his life to actively bringing world class concerts to the Coachella Valley. Additionally, he is a former Director and President of the Palm Springs Public Library, a Director and former President of Friends of the Palm Springs Library, Director of the Desert Hospital Foundation, and a Member of the Palm Springs Rotary Club.

After retirement, John pursued an additional degree at Dartmouth College, receiving a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2020. An avid world traveler, John’s thesis was called “Travels Across America,” and documented his road trips across the country with his wife Carolee and dog Rylee. We are very proud of him for this accomplishment, in spite of his deteriorating health. It serves as an inspiring lesson: you are never too old to try a new thing or two. 

Please share with us your photos, stories, and memories as we pay tribute to this kind, diligent, incredibly hardworking man. He will be sorely missed. Your thoughts will truly warm our hearts during this difficult time.

With love,

The Shevlin Family