Kent "Doc" Duane Shank, 92, went home to be with our Lord on May 10, 2025, entering eternal life and reuniting with our mother, whom he had deeply missed since her passing on October 29, 2024. He was born in Richmond, Indiana, on July 6, 1932, to Morris and Katherine (Dickerson) Shank. Nicknamed "Doc" by his grandfather, Dad was baptized at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond, confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church, and later transferred his membership to Trinity Lutheran Church after St. John's closed. His faith remained a cornerstone throughout his life.

He graduated from Centerville High School in 1950, where he played basketball and was a proud member of the school band. A Life Scout in Troop 16, he remained active in Scouting well into adulthood, ultimately serving as Scoutmaster until the mid-1970s. Growing up in the post-Depression era, Dad often spoke of extended families sharing homes and the lasting bonds that formed. His stories of Centerville, family members serving in WWII, and losing his father in 1945 shaped our understanding of resilience, family, and community.

After high school, he worked at a dental lab in Richmond before enlisting in the United States Army in 1952. Though trained as a medic, he successfully auditioned to join the U.S. Army 43rd Division Band (later the 5th Division Band) upon arrival in Germany. Stationed near Augsburg, he met his lifelong friend and "Army brother," Duane Habeger. Their adventures in Europe—including witnessing Queen Elizabeth II's coronation parade—provided treasured memories. Dad always reminded us that he didn't take his tuba on maneuvers. Two weeks after returning from the Army, Dad married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Ruth Gesell, on February 20, 1955, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Richmond. Together, they built the family home just south of Centerville, where he would live the rest of his life. They took us on countless family camping trips, including a six-week journey through Canada, Alaska, and the Northwest. He even built a custom truck camper for the rugged Al-Can Highway, a testament to his skill and adventurous spirit.

A gifted woodworker, Dad created heirloom pieces cherished by all of us. Though macular degeneration eventually ended his time in the workshop, his craftsmanship lives on in our homes and hearts. Dad began a 30-year career at ALCOA in the carpenter's shop, later teaching construction as an adjunct at Ivy Tech Richmond beginning in 1979. After retiring from ALCOA in 1989, he became department chair of the Construction and HVAC programs. He was honored with the Glen Sample Award for Excellence in Teaching—a reflection of the passion and dedication he brought to his work.

His commitment to community service was constant. He served as president of the Centerville Historical Society, the Centerville Library Board, and the St. John's Church Council. He was a member of the Jaycees, taught catechism, and was a life member of both VFW Post 1108 and the American Legion. Of all his memberships, he was proudest of his service with the Wayne County Honor Guard, where he continued to serve his country with patriotism and forged many lasting friendships.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Thomas (Nyla) Shank of Eminence; Elizabeth (Dan) Fodrea of Winchester; and Rebecca (Mike Brown) Shank of Richmond. Grandchildren: Hope (Greg) Bray of Coatesville; Taylor (Felicia Rhea) Shank of Eminence; Kelly (Jeremy) Kean of Richmond; and Branden (Courtney) Mathews of Centerville. Great-grandchildren: Ellie Mathews, Gabe Mathews, Levi Bray, and Cooper Bray. Special niece: Sharon (Larry Joe) Fox of Knightstown. He is also fondly remembered by his bonus family: Anthony (Emily) Fodrea, Andrea Fodrea, and Chad (Cindy) Larsh, along with their children; seven surviving cousins; his special fur baby, Little Margo; and extended family Bruce and Linda Mathews of Richmond, and Tonya and Jeff Millsaps of Richmond. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years; his parents; his brother, Richard Shank, and sister-in-law, Carman; his niece, Debbie Shank; and his sister-in-law, Thelma Harlan, and her husband, Maynard.

Per Dad's wishes, a public graveside service will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery in Centerville on Saturday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Monte Poling, Lay Minister of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Winchester. The Wayne County Honor Guard will provide military rites. Memorial contributions may be made to The HELP Shelter in Richmond, the Centerville Senior Center, or a charity of your choice.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the many prayer warriors who supported us with prayers, love, messages, hugs, and visits. Special thanks to Linda Mathews for her devoted care for Dad, and to the Progressive Care and Hospice Teams at Reid. We are also grateful to Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home for their compassionate assistance with final arrangements for both Mom and Dad. Online condolences may be shared with the family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com.