John Lowell Shank

John Lowell Shank, 86, of Menno Haven Village Square/Brookview Healthcare in Chambersburg, PA and formerly of South Main Street, Smithsburg, MD, passed away on January 5, 2025.

Born November 18, 1938, in Big Pool, MD, he was the son of the late Garrett E. Shank and Margaret Louise (Hastings) Shank. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ruth A. Shank and their son, Johnnie Shank.

John attended Clear Spring schools. He was proud to have deep roots in both the communities of Clear Spring/Big Pool and Smithsburg. He’d happily tell you he was an ‘ol farmboy from Shanktown/Big Pool where for generations they plowed with a team of horses, no tractors.

He was a U.S. Army veteran where he served in Germany followed by service in the National Reserves.

He was a lifetime member of Smithsburg Vol. Fire Company, joining in 1966, when he first moved to Smithsburg. He enjoyed the camaraderie, carnival week operating Tic-Tac-Toe or the Nickel Pitch, and serving in various leadership roles over the years.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and fishing—learning these skills from his father—and was an avid deer hunter since the age of 5. He thoroughly enjoyed hopping in the car to take a long ride and look for deer—which often ended up with a visit to an ice cream shop.

He had a strong work ethic. John was employed for 33 ½ years at Statton’s Furniture Manufacturer in the millroom. Prior to Statton’s, he worked for 12 years at Beachley’s Furniture. He was a skilled millworker used to measuring to the 1/64 inch and took pride in the quality of his workmanship.

He is survived by his daughter, Ruth Ann Martin (Darwin); grandson, Joshua Martin; brother, Jacob Shank (Gene) as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces.

He is also preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Shank and Medford Shank.

The family expresses their appreciation and gratitude to the nurses at Menno Haven for the exceptional personalized care John received. John was at home, content, and always willing to invite others to have a piece of hard candy from his oversized candy jar…or his shirt pocket.

A private burial will be observed at the convenience of the family. Funeral services provided by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD.