Charles (Chuck) G. Shank, 90 wonderful years, of Abingdon IL. passed away unexpectedly with his family by his side at 3:50 a.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, IL.
Chuck was born on June 13, 1932 in LaPorte, Indiana, the son of Frank C. Shank and Pauline (Fitzpatrick) Shank. He married Dixie L. Jones on January 14, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton, Illinois. They were lovingly united in marriage for 63 years and from this union they were blessed with four children. He is survived by Christopher K. Shank of Abingdon, Gina S. (Joseph W.) Krupps of rural Galesburg, son-in-law James L. Gilfillan of Little Swan Lake, rural Avon and Kelly A. Spuhler; and five grandchildren, including Brandon Gilfillan, Erin Gilfillan and Jacob Gilfillan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dixie (May 14, 2019), his youngest child, Carla L. Gilfillan (March 23, 2021) and his sister Jacqueline C. Noel.
At the age of 10, Chuck and his family moved from Knox, Indiana to Abingdon. He graduated from Abingdon High School in 1950 and attended St. Ambrose College, majoring in Business. He proudly served his country as a CPL in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 through 1955.
Chuck and Dixie owned and operated Shank’s Clothing and Shoes in Abingdon. Chuck was a second-generation seasoned clothier in the community, where he and his family were in business for 50 years specializing in Men’s clothing. After retirement, he represented Fairfield Line, Inc. in sales.
Chuck was a proud lifetime member of the V.F.W. and the Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post 381. He was a long-time member of the Abingdon Chamber of Commerce and past President, member of The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abingdon and past member of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Abingdon Public Schools Foundation Advisory Board, as a Knox County election judge and a member of the Abingdon Lay Council of Churches, where he participated in providing breakfast to middle school children.
Chuck loved people and never knew a stranger. He always had time for a kind word, to chat, or tell a joke. He was a humble man with a kind heart and generous spirit whose willingness to help others without recognition. He always had an optimistic perspective to life. He loved and valued animals and nature. He enjoyed many years of hunting fowl and playing a good game of cards with his family and friends.
Chuck took the family on annual vacations that visited 45 of the contiguous United States and Canada over the years.
Most of all, he deeply loved and cherished his family. We are so blessed to have had him as our father, grandfather, friend, and mentor.
Cremation was accorded. A Memorial Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abingdon. Father Lee Brokaw will officiate. Committal of his ashes with military rites will be in the Abingdon Cemetery following the mass. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to the Abingdon American Legion Honor Guard. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
