Elmer J. Shank

ALBANY – Lifelong Albany resident Elmer J. Shank died Monday afternoon at Albany Health Care while being surrounded by his family.  Born in Albany on July 15, 1919, he graduated from Albany High School with the class of 1938 and had schooling in welding and working with metals – a trade that he would use for the rest of his life.  Elmer owned & operated E.J. Shank Sheet Metal in Albany over 58 years and never officially retired as he continued consulting and working with his hands.  He was also skilled in custom woodworking and made furniture among other items for family & friends.  He was a 55 year member of Albany United Methodist Church where he was a chairman of trustees; over the years he also belonged to the Albany Volunteer Fire Department, Tri-State Gas Engine & Antique Tractor Association (life member), and the International King Midget Car Club.  He was also a regular for the 9 o’clock family breakfast at the local restaurant where, at times, four generations would be present.  Elmer was also very patriotic, having served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre, Guadalcanal – 113th Ordnance.  

Survivors include his wife of nearly 35 years, Martha (Selke) Shank; 2 sons: John A. Shank (wife: Connie), Muncie, and Karl J. Shank (wife: Anna), Albany; a daughter: Marsha K. Cooper (husband: Richard J.), Ridgeville; a step-son: Michael Selke (Debra), Henryville; 2 step-daughters: Cidney Ann Berebitsky (husband: Paul), Indianapolis, and Jo Ellen Waggaman (husband: Joe), Muncie, and a brother: Robert E. Shank (wife: Tillie), Goshen.  Also surviving are several nieces & nephews, great-nieces/nephews, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren that were all very dear to his heart, and his favorite feline: Lucky.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Irene Shank, who died in 1976; his parents: Clarence and Lizzie Shank; 3 brothers: George, Frank, and Alvin Shank, and 3 sisters: Grace Riddle, Flora Entrekin, and Maye Walsh.

Services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2012, at Albany United Methodist Church with burial following at Strong Cemetery with military services provided by Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany, and from 12-1 p.m. on Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Albany Vol. Fire Department or Albany United Methodist Church.

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