Pat Tillman lived in University Place with his wife, Marie Tillman, before he was sent to Iraq. After that, Tillman was sent to Afghanistan, and then news came out that he had been killed by enemy fire in 2004.
Tillman played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils and was named an All-American in 1997.
Highlights
- Marie met Joe Shenton, an investment banker from Chicago, who had three sons from a previous marriage: Joey, Johnny, and Sam.
- Marie also credits Joe for helping her move forward. They married in 2012, and she calls him her hero.
- Joe Shenton serves on the Board of Directors of the Pat Tillman Foundation, which Marie Tillman leads.
After four years in the NFL, he chose to join the Army Rangers and served on multiple combat tours.
Tragically, he was killed in the mountains of Afghanistan. Initially, the Army reported that he had been killed by enemy gunfire.
However, on May 28, 2004, the Pentagon informed the Tillman family that he had been shot by friendly fire.
Many, including his family, believed the military delayed revealing this information until after his memorial to protect its image.
Next, in 2007, the Pentagon released a report saying his death was accidental.
Marie Tillman Moved On With New Husband, Joe Shenton, After The Death Of Pat Tillman
Patt Tillman’s wife, Marie, found a “just in case” letter he had written before deploying to Afghanistan.
The letter read:
“Through the years, I’ve asked a great deal of you, Therefore it should surprise you little that I have another favor to ask. I ask that you live.’’
Pat Tillman
Marie Tillman wasn’t sure if Pat knew how important the letter would be, but she saw it as a gift. Knowing it was okay to move on and live her life comforted her.
Around the same time, Marie met Joe Shenton, an investment banker from Chicago, who had three sons- Joey, Johnny, and Sam, from a previous marriage.
Their first meeting took place in 2011 at a dinner with supporters of Marie’s foundation. Despite being a stranger, they felt an immediate connection.
Marie instantly felt Joe understood her deeper, beyond the public story surrounding her. She felt he indeed saw her and not just her past.
While Marie has kept close ties with Pat’s family, including his mother, Mary “Dannie,” in California and his brother, Kevin, in Arizona, they all gather for Pat’s Run each year.
Joe was delighted that Dannie and Kevin even attended their wedding, which meant a lot to them.
Though Joe never met Pat Tillman, he respects him as the hero the public remembers.
He recalled a touching story about a neighbor who once worked with the Special Olympics team in Arizona.
The neighbor told them Pat regularly visited her players at ASU and the Arizona Cardinals.
“I’m able to celebrate her past because here’s a man who devoted his life to her. How can I not respect that and help carry that legacy forward?”
Joe Shenton
Marie also credits Joe for helping her move forward. They married in 2012, and she calls him her hero.
“He lets me be open about all parts of my life. He’s fully supportive, wearing the Tillman Team hat, attending Pat’s Run, and being just as passionate about the foundation as anyone”
Marie Tillman Shenton
Marie Tillman’s Husband, Joe Shenton, Is The Board Of Director Of The Pat Tillman Foundation
Originally from Chicago, Joe Shenton was born to Joseph and Peggy Shenton, who have since passed away.
He frequently honors their memory by sharing tributes on social media.
My Mom, Peggy Shenton, was an amazing person who gave away her love, energy and humor (lots) in an endless effort to lift others. SO, on the occasion of my b-day I give her mad gratitude for giving me my start and showing me the way. We love you huge Mom!
Joe Shenton
Joe Shenton is a seasoned professional with a strong background in investment and advisory roles.
He is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Permanent Capital Partners, a position he started in January 2024.
He also works as an Operating Partner at Shore Capital Partners in Chicago and has been an advisor and investment committee member for Relish Works since 2017.
In addition, Joe serves as a Founding Board Member for Evolution Risk Partners and has been an advisor for Paceline since 2020.
Earlier in his career, he was a Partner at Summit Trail Advisors and held senior positions at Barclays, Lehman Brothers, and Sanford C. Bernstein.
Joe’s experience includes leadership roles as CEO of Jobplex and SVP of Business Development at EPS Solutions.
Additionally, Joe Shenton serves on the Board of Directors of the Pat Tillman Foundation, which Marie Tillman leads.
Additional Information
- Marie Tillman and Joe Shenton are blessed with two kids-one son, Mac, and a daughter- Frankie.
- Joe Shenton’s father, Joseph, had a successful career as an executive with Hartford National Bank and Northwest Industries in Chicago.
- Joe Shenton grew up with a sister named Maggie Shenton.
