Herbert Howell Shanks Jr's Obituary
Herbert Howell Shanks, Jr., age 93, of Sherrills Ford, NC, passed away on September 10, 2024. Born on August 28, 1931, in Childress, TX, he was the beloved son of Herbert Howell Shanks and Laura Alma Gibson.
Herbert married the love of his life, Genevieve Ilene Zerbe, on March 14, 1953, at Sheridan Road Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love and devotion.
A proud graduate of Quail High School in Quail, TX, class of 1948, Herbert went on to serve his country in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He furthered his education at Spartan Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK, graduating on June 27, 1956.
Herbert had a distinguished career in aviation, working for Trans World Airlines from 1957 to 1987 as a mechanic, flight engineer, and flight instructor. He was notably TWA’s first Boeing 747 flight instructor. He continued his career with Orion Air from 1987 to 1990 and with Air Transport International from 1990 to 2002.
Throughout his life, Herbert received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Airman Award on January 31, 1953, and the Habitat for Humanity Volunteer of the Year award on December 13, 2016. He was also an ordained deacon by Red Bridge Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO, and a licensed private pilot.
Herbert is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many other cherished family members.
A service to celebrate Herbert’s life will be held on September 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM, conducted by Rev. James Lacy. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife at Park Grove Cemetery in Broken Arrow, OK.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2128 N. Highway 16, Denver, NC 28037.
Herbert’s legacy of love, service, and dedication will forever be remembered by all who knew him.
You may click on the attached link to watch Herbert's funeral service https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/104540
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