Robert "Bob" Henry Shank

Robert (Bob) Henry Shank 89 departed this life on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Reeds Cove Health and Rehabilitation of Wichita. His heart ceased to beat, and his pain is now gone as he rests in paradise with eternal love.

He was born February 9, 1935, at Hutchinson, Kansas. The son of William and Thelma (Boughner) Shank. Predeceased by his mother Thelma, Father William, Half-Sister Pauline (Victor) Garner, and wife Mary Ellen. His surviving children are Theryne (Steve) Schwartz of Colwich and Kevyn Shank of Pratt. Bob’s family meant everything to him, he was a great husband, but most of all he was the best father ever.

He was a 1954 graduate of St. John High School and attended Pratt Community College. He served in the United States Army until his Honorable Discharge reaching the rank of Sargeant First Class, The National Guard, and the United States Army Reserve 1957-1963.

As a 16-year-old boy he had a champion pen of three steers at the Kansas 4-H Club Deferred Fed Beef Show at the Kansas City Stockyards. The three steers were from his eighteen cow-calf registered Angus herd. Three times he had the honor to compete in the American Royal at Kansas City; once for cattle and twice for wheat. While he was there, he had the opportunity to visit the Kansas City Board of Trade. Also, he was a small grain 4-H judge and travelled the state for 4-H Day events.

On March 17, 1957, he married Mary Ellen Waters at the Eden Valley Church of the Brethren outside St. John Kansas. He was a loving husband of 65 years to his beloved wife, Mary Ellen.

He was a member of BPOE Pratt Elks Lodge #1451. He was the Agricultural Manager for Shupe Farms when he retired. He was an avid farmer and stockman.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Reeds Cove Health and Rehabilitation and Elevate Hospice for their unparalleled compassion for Bob and his family. Bob enjoyed life to the fullest and will be missed by all.

A graveside celebration service will be held sometime later next spring at Neelands Cemetery, Southwest 40th Street, St. John, Kansas

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to Elevate Hospice in care of Wulf-Ast Mortuary, P.O. Box 555, Colwich, Kansas 67030

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