Robert Shanks' Obituary
Robert Ray “Bob” Shanks, 81, of Orlando, Florida passed away September 7, 2021. Mr. Shanks was born in Alliance, Ohio and is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Estella Shanks; his brother, Edward Shanks; and his wife, LaVonne Douds Shanks.
He served in the Army Reserves for six years and then worked for Damon Chemical Company in Alliance. He and his family moved to Central Florida in 1973 where he began working for Lawton Brothers Chemical Company. He then joined the Walt Disney Company where he spent 25 years prior to his retirement.
He was President of the Robinswood Community Improvement Association for 10 years and he received the Orange County Citizen of the Year award in 2008 for the positive impact he made to the community. He was a member of the Model A’s of Greater Orlando Club and owned multiple antique cars over the years.
In 1981, Bob re-married and began a 40 year blended family. Survivors include his wife, Martha Steward Shanks, of Orlando; five daughters, Kimberly (Scott, deceased 2017) Cooper of Deltona, FL, Rhonda (Don) Cox of Winter Park, FL, Tawnia (Chris) Ford of Houston, TX, Alesia Steward of Niceville, FL, Paula (Paul, deceased 2009) Blakely of Orlando, FL; and son Mark (Sandy) Steward of Fruitland Park, FL; 12 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be held at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Beloit, Ohio on Saturday, September 11, 2021. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date in Orlando, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Beechwood United Methodist Church, 3450 Beechwood Ave, Alliance, OH 44601.
You are invited to view Bob's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories at www.sharerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.
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