Shank, John L. (1858-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Mar 27 p. 9

Birth date: 1858

text of obituary:

JOHN L. SHANK

March 4, 1952, marked the passing of one of the aged pilgrims of the Franklin Co., Penna. community in the person of John L. Shank, aged 94 years, five months and 12 days.

For many years, motorists along the highway between Chambersburg and Greencastle would be greeted by the friendly waving of this elderly man who used to stand near the mail box of the lane to his farm. He explained that he saluted everybody, “because I like to be friendly even though I don't know everyone.”

Mr. Shank was born at Leitersburg, Md. and at the age of 12 moved to a farm near Marion on which he resided the remaining 82 years of his life, most of which were spent in farming.

On Nov. 20, 1884, he was married to Lizzie Eshleman who preceded him in death about 18 years ago. To this union were born five children of whom three sons survive, Bishop Harvey E. Shank, Deacon Charlie E. Shank and Clarence S. Shank, all of the local community. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 84 great grandchildren.

In June 1897 Bro. Shank was one of a class of 11 who were baptized and received into the fellowship of the Marion Mennonite congregation.

In 1911 Mr. Shank became a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Marion Bank which office he held continuously until his death.

For approximately 40 years Bro. Shank served the Marion congregation as janitor. He observed many changes in those years. Even after he reluctantly gave up his work to younger men, his interest in the church continued. He was a regular attendant at services as long as health permitted.

Although gradually growing weaker in the past months, he was able to walk about with the aid of a cane which his grandson James Shank sent from Africa. On the day of his departure from this life, after having eaten supper, his son Charlie with whom he made his home helped him to his room. He was found about 10 minutes later sitting on his chair with his cane between his knees by his son Clarence who had come to spend the evening. The long life had come to a peaceful end.

Silently, silently they pass away. Thus ended the earthly life of one known to many as “Grandpap Shank".