John J. Shanks
Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Cass County Communication Network
John J. Shanks, 97, of Logansport, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, at Woodbridge Health Campus.
Born August 8, 1927, in Deer Creek Township, Cass County, Indiana, he was the son of the late Orval and Louanna (Plank) Shanks. His parents owned the Shanks Grocery Store in Deacon, Indiana.
A 1945 graduate of Young America High School, John entered the U.S. Army in 1945 and served during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1947.
John was shopping at Olson’s Department Store when he noticed a beautiful young clerk working there – you can say John fell in love with her at first sight. He asked a mutual friend to arrange a double date, so he officially met her on that blind date. On March 12, 1950, in the former Market Street United Methodist Church, John and Helen (Wilson) Shanks were married. They raised a beautiful family, spending 70 wonderful years together before she preceded him in death October 9, 2020.
A member of the Greatest Generation, John’s work ethic was strong as was his devotion to his family and his faith. He worked as a truck driver with Bursley Wholesale Grocery for 14 years before joining the Logansport Fire Department. He earned the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain before retiring in 1990 after 30 years of service. John was also an expert carpenter. He loved serving his community and decided to run for office and had served as a Logansport City Councilman.
He was a longtime member of the former Wheatland Avenue Methodist Church. He enjoyed collecting fireman memorabilia.
He is survived by three children: Cindy (Herb) Novotny, Winona Lake, Marcy (David) Abel, Carmel, Tony Shanks, Logansport; five grandchildren: Katie (Adam) Mullins, Ben (Annie) Abel, Taylor Shanks (Brandon) Memmer, Tanner Shanks, and Heather (Josh) Gabriel; great-grandchildren: Graham Shanks Audra Shanks, and Madison Mullins; two step-grandchildren: Kathy (Gerald) Munger, Nick (Xalina) Novotny; four step-great-grandchildren: Alexandria (Brian) Macan, Cole Munger, Jake Munger, and Lavinia Novotny; three siblings, Helen Ennis, Carol Allen, and Max Shanks; two sisters-in-law: Mary Zinn and Karen Fellers; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Hobart Shanks, Mary Lou Franks, and Lucille Mohler
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 19 in Fisher Funeral Chapel with Dawn Fisher officiating.
Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral procession will travel to Ever-Rest Memorial Park, pausing at the Central Fire Station for the “Last Alarm.”
Burial, with full military honors, will be in Ever-Rest Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Logansport Fire Department Burn-out Fund.
Condolences can be shared at fisherfuneralchapel.com.