David was born January 21, 1939 in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Eli S. and Juanita S. (Magill) Shanks.
David attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School and graduated from Nauvoo High School in 1958. He served in the U.S. Army from January of 1962 until December of 1963. He spent most of his service stationed in Germany. Upon returning home he worked as an electrician and operated a greenhouse, near Niota.
He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and especially enjoyed challenging them to a game of chess.
Survivors include one sister: Sharon Bever of Iowa City, Iowa; one brother: Richard (Cheryl) Shanks of Indianapolis, Indiana; one sister-in-law: Bonnie Azinger of Ft. Madison, Iowa and seven nieces and nephews: Shelley Fotheringham, Kristine Stille, Tracy Pike, Scott Bever, Matthew Shanks, Michael Shanks and Melissa Collier.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother: Stephen Shanks and one brother-in-law: Roger Bever.
Private graveside services with Military Rites will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Nauvoo.
Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Nauvoo is assisting the family.
A memorial fund has been established for PAW Animal Shelter in Ft. Madison. Memorials may be sent to the David Shanks Memorial Fund, c/o Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 201, Nauvoo, Illinois 62354.
To leave a tribute for the family, please visit David’s obituary at sbbfuneralhome.com.
