Thomas Shankles Obituary

Thomas Lee shankles 1933-2023

Born to Ervin and Bertha Shankles on 11/11/33, weighing in at just over 4 lbs in a one-bedroom house in Sand Creek, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by both parents; his siblings, Helen, EvaJo, and Tom; and son Ervin. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Phyllis; his children, Brenda, Debbie (Brent), and Rodney (Dorie); 11 grand children, 20 great-grand children, and 5 great-great-grand children.

He was born in Oklahoma but moved to California as a young child and met Phyllis when he was 18 and she was 16. They eloped a short time later on 10/25/52. They initially lived on the dairy he worked for before being hired on at Simpson Paper where he worked for 31 years until he retired.

He was affectionately called "Papa" by his loved ones. He loved camping, fishing, playing cards, dominoes, and horseshoes, collecting odds and ends, working on ham/shortwave radios, recycling and donating the funds to church organizations, drinking instant coffee and eating pecan pies and pop tarts on occasion, square dancing, and Gaither family concerts.

He was well knowing for his generosity, his sense of humor, and his love for his family.