Gary Dean Shankel, 63, of Heyworth, passed away Thursday (Nov. 15, 2018) at his home.

 

Gary's service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth, with Pastor Pete Hopkins and Pastor Kurt Flora officiating. Following the service, burial will be at the Randolph Township Memorial Cemetery, Heyworth, with full fire department honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the church with the firefighter walk through at 6 p.m.

 

The family suggests memorials to be made to the Randolph Township Fire Department or Heyworth Christian Church. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements.

Gary was born Nov. 13, 1955, in Bloomington. He was the son of George Luther and Leta Florella Johnson Shankel.

 

Gary is survived by his two sons, Adam Lyn (Lyndsea Lee) Shankel, Heyworth, and Pvt. 2nd Class Keaton Edward Ellis (Sarah) Miller, U.S. Army, Fort Riley, Kan.; grandson, Lincoln Earl Shankel, Heyworth; one brother, Mark A. (Teri) Shankel, Heyworth; four nephews, Terry Lee (Amy) Shankel, North Pueblo, Colo.; John (Heidi) Darnell, Springville, Utah; George Allen Shankel, Heyworth; and Lake Joseph Warren Shankel, Heyworth; one niece, Layla Marie Shankel, Heyworth; and two great-nephews and three great-nieces.

 

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Johnny Lee Shankel; and one nephew, Jerry Darnell.

 

Gary was a graduate of Heyworth High School, class of 1973. He began farming with his dad in 1973 at Heyworth, LeRoy, Cooksville and Arrowsmith, continuing to farm until present time. He was an active member of Heyworth Christian Church where he had served on the official board and as a deacon for many years. He was an assistant chief with the Randolph Township Fire Department for the past 43 years.

 

Condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.