Peter J. Shanks

A proud Christian, husband, father, and Marine, Peter Joseph Shanks passed away on May 20, 2017, a beautiful Florida spring afternoon with family by his side. He was a devout and loving husband to Sue Shanks, whom he shared 17 years of wedded bliss to the love of his life (just ask him, he would tell you) and a caring and incredibly wise father (Papi, Papa or Faja as often referred as) to Matthew (Mandy)Shanks & Adam (Natsuko)Shanks, of Mahomet, Illinois and Lindsey Shanks of Nashville, Tennessee & Bubby (our dog). He had six incredible grandchildren -Mason, Xander, Lainey, Gavin, Abel & Addy -whom he loved to take fishing, to Disney world or having their own Special Day. He loved his family fiercely, and he was always there for each one of them when they needed it, and even when they didn't realize it. He was born in Burlington, Vermont on May 20, 1943 to Joseph and Eleanor Shanks. He then moved to Glastonbury, Connecticut along with brothers, Bruce, Tim, Jeff and sister, Cheryl who still live in the area. In high school, he was involved in soccer, baseball, chorus and musicals. He was a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps from 1964 to 1967. For years, he was a ma...[more]

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acturer's representative and traveled all across the country. He then moved to Mahomet, Illinois and worked at O'Brien Auto Park in sales and inventory control until retiring to Florida in 2005. Pete loved the Lord and was regularly heard with a beautiful melodic voice singing in the church congregation (or at Barbara B Mann singing to a musical). He was also a member of the Prayer team. One of his most moving experiences was going on a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico. A dedicated and passionate Marine, Pete helped to raise the awareness and contributions for the Charlotte County Veterans Council and the Marine Corp League. He served as Commandant of the Marine Corp League, Charlotte County Detachment 756 and State of Florida Vice Commandant for District 9 where he made many friends with his fellow Marine brothers. He served as Secretary, President and Chairman of the Charlotte County Veterans Council as well as serving as Chaplain for many community events. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 110 and the Devil Dogs. He was an avid race car fan, especially Indy 500 where it was a family tradition to attend each year. His other hobbies included golfing, singing, reading, cooking, helping out in the community or just being mischievous. Pete Shanks will be missed by all whom he met, but their lives will be more beautifully enriched having met him. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 30, 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda, Florida. Committal service will be at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Charlotte County Veterans Council. P.O. Box 380964, Port Charlotte, FL 33938-0964