Cecil H. Shank

Cecil H. Shank “Sonny”, 82, of Decatur formerly of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at Royalton Manor, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur, MI 49045 with Rev. James Abshagen officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior from 10-11 AM also at the funeral home. Private family burial will take place at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, PO box 220 Decatur, Michigan, Grace Lutheran Church, 7000 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28226 or Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to send a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com or www.newellchapel.com Cecil was born on July 14, 1935 to the late Cecil and Elsie Shank, Sr. in Benton Harbor, MI. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School class of 1953. On August 3, 1957 he married Sandra Grams and together they had one son, Brian. Sandra passed away in 1992 after thirty-four years of marriage. On September 1, 1995 he married Sharon Cole. Cecil was an Elder and usher at St. Peters United Church of Christ, St. Joseph, MI. He enjoyed umping for youth baseball leagues in his younger years. Cecil was also a member of First Presbyterian Church in Decatur. He was active in helping with the Decatur Soup Suppers, enjoyed going to Decatur High School Football games and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Most of all, Cecil loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cecil is survived by his wife, Sharon Shank; son, Brian (Lori) Shank; step-children, Deborah Chandler and Michael Wickett; sister, Margaret Rhode; grandchildren, Katherine Shank, Emily (Fiancé, Lucas Callies) Shank; Brandon Wickett, Samantha Wickett, Kevin (Jennifer) West, Steven West and Sarah (Josh) Docekal and great-grandchildren, Landen, Colten, Olivia, Brayden, Jacob, Emma, Finlee and JJ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Elsie; first wife, Sandra; sister, Dorothy Ostrander and brother, Warren Shank.