Donald Robert Shanks Obituary
We announce the death of Donald Robert Shanks of Lakewood, Colorado, who passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 86. Donald will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Joseph Shanks and Elsie Shanks. He is survived by: his wife Joan Carol Shanks; his children, Bob Shanks, Joe Shanks, Julia Cowan (Chris Cowan) and Katie Thornhill (Craig Thornhill); his grandchildren, Katelynn Lee (Kyle Lee), Ethan Cowan, Lukas Thornhill, Kyle Thornhill and Mason Shanks; and his great grandchild Carter Lee.
A rosary was held on Wednesday, September 30th 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Denver Mortuary (12801 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033). A funeral Mass was held on Thursday, October 1st 2026 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the same location. A committal service was held on Thursday, October 1st 2026 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery (12801 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033). A reception was held on Thursday, October 1st 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Applewood Country Club (14001 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401).
For those who wish to honor Don's memory, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause that was meaningful to him: https://t2t.org.
