Wayne
Wayne Shank
d. March 15, 2016
Thomas Wayne Shank, known as Wayne, 89, passed away on March 12, 2016, in Little Rock. He was born on Sep. 26, 1926, in Albuquerque, NM, the son of Lloyd C. and Lena Rice Shank. The family returned soon after Wayne’s birth to its hometown of Tulsa, OK, where Wayne grew up, met and married his cherished wife of 65 years, Thelma Ann Shank nee Spencer. She predeceased him just two months ago, on January 6.
A joint memorial service for Wayne and Thelma will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock. A reception will follow in the church parlor.
Wayne is survived by daughters Karen B. (Toby Lange) Shank, Illinois, Stephanie A. (Tom) Miyake, Texas, and son, Stan (Sherry) Shank, Kansas; seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. His brother, Donald E. Shank, of Tulsa, also survives. In addition to his wife, Wayne was predeceased by his parents and two oldest brothers, Max and Howard. Wayne and Thelma’s beloved dog, Muphie, will continue to be adored by their friends at the Shepherd’s Cove community.
Wayne enjoyed using both his mind and hands. His activities ranged from building an elaborate model train layout over many years, to extensive gardening, to woodworking, to building a barn in his backyard, and even to building the fuselage of a single-engine aircraft in his Tulsa garage. He was a private pilot for many years, and owned several small airplanes at times. He loved to give rides to family and friends.
Music was a constant in Wayne’s life. He frequently sang and whistled around the house. He enjoyed the popular songs of his youth, church music, and Beethoven and Mozart. His tenor voice was beautiful, garnering appreciative looks from anyone that heard it.
He was a kind and patient teacher, as evidenced by his teaching Thelma how to drive, as well as all three children. Childhood lessons began young with Wayne running pedals and the child leaning over from the middle bench seat to try steering.
Wayne and Thelma both enjoyed reunions with their beloved friends from Tulsa days, Jane and Stan Brassfield and Frances and Boyd Purifoy. Stan Brassfield survives from their self-named group, the "Purbranks."
Wayne served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He attended Oklahoma State University and Tulsa University, earning his bachelor’s degree. He later attended Southern Methodist University for banking school.
Wayne’s early career in sales spanned three states and four cities. Once in Arkansas he focused on human resources management and consulting. He worked for Jacuzzi Brothers, First National Bank in Little Rock, Gulfstream Banks in Florida, and Shank Consulting.
Special thanks to Stephanie Miyake, Lance Biggers, his grandson, the Good Shepherd family, and Wayne and Thelma’s church families and friends. Remembrances may be made to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. Services entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. Guests may register at www.ArkansasCremation.com.
A joint memorial service for Wayne and Thelma will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock. A reception will follow in the church parlor.
Wayne is survived by daughters Karen B. (Toby Lange) Shank, Illinois, Stephanie A. (Tom) Miyake, Texas, and son, Stan (Sherry) Shank, Kansas; seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. His brother, Donald E. Shank, of Tulsa, also survives. In addition to his wife, Wayne was predeceased by his parents and two oldest brothers, Max and Howard. Wayne and Thelma’s beloved dog, Muphie, will continue to be adored by their friends at the Shepherd’s Cove community.
Wayne enjoyed using both his mind and hands. His activities ranged from building an elaborate model train layout over many years, to extensive gardening, to woodworking, to building a barn in his backyard, and even to building the fuselage of a single-engine aircraft in his Tulsa garage. He was a private pilot for many years, and owned several small airplanes at times. He loved to give rides to family and friends.
Music was a constant in Wayne’s life. He frequently sang and whistled around the house. He enjoyed the popular songs of his youth, church music, and Beethoven and Mozart. His tenor voice was beautiful, garnering appreciative looks from anyone that heard it.
He was a kind and patient teacher, as evidenced by his teaching Thelma how to drive, as well as all three children. Childhood lessons began young with Wayne running pedals and the child leaning over from the middle bench seat to try steering.
Wayne and Thelma both enjoyed reunions with their beloved friends from Tulsa days, Jane and Stan Brassfield and Frances and Boyd Purifoy. Stan Brassfield survives from their self-named group, the "Purbranks."
Wayne served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He attended Oklahoma State University and Tulsa University, earning his bachelor’s degree. He later attended Southern Methodist University for banking school.
Wayne’s early career in sales spanned three states and four cities. Once in Arkansas he focused on human resources management and consulting. He worked for Jacuzzi Brothers, First National Bank in Little Rock, Gulfstream Banks in Florida, and Shank Consulting.
Special thanks to Stephanie Miyake, Lance Biggers, his grandson, the Good Shepherd family, and Wayne and Thelma’s church families and friends. Remembrances may be made to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. Services entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. Guests may register at www.ArkansasCremation.com.
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