Walter Wayman Shankle

Walter Shankle, 82, of Belleville, Illinois, born May 25, 1938, died at 3:20 am January 3, 2021, at home with his loving wife, Margret by his side. Heaven’s door opened wide for the soul of this man whose most earnest desire was to be with the Lord.

Walt joins his parents, Mildred (Heffner) Shankle, Wayman Shankle and older brother Bob Shankle in heaven. What a wonderful reunion!

In addition to his wife of 47 years, Walt is survived by many loving family members including his children: Kellie J. Shankle Farrell of Houston, Jeffery J Shankle of Houston, Yvonne Trentman of Belleville, Richard D. Green of Belleville, and Anthony J Shankle (Cynthia) of Crystal Lake, Il. Three grandsons: Glenn Allen Trentman, Matthew J. Green (Patricia) Tyler D. Green (Danielle Farrar) great grandchildren Remington N. Green, Jasper D. Green. (Shawn Elders and Aria Elders were also special to Walt). Mention in love Ryan D. Overbey (Tina) and children Danielle, Marshall, Maverick and Scott Overbey (Jessica). Walt also loved and was loved by many nieces and nephews including, Lisa Haggerty (Samantha, Lauren, Brittany), Cindy (Ron, Aidan) Isom, Michele Daniel (David), Heather (Les) Stephens and children Robert, Charlie and Lillie; Sherry (Steve) McKenzie (Katelyn, Katherine), and sister-in-law Judy Daniel.

Walt graduated from East St. Louis High School in 1956. While in school he was the Captain of the football team and high jump record setter (for one year). After graduating high school Walt went into the Air Force. When Walt left the Air Force, he returned to Belleville to help his Mother and Father run Quality Cleaners and Furriers located in Belleville IL. The marquee in front of the building was dedicated to the Lord by Walt who used it to witness God’s love to the many people who drove by daily.

In 1990 Walt and his wife Margret, sold the dry cleaners and went into full time ministry, serving in the Criminal Justice System. Law and Grace Ministries provided Chaplains to the criminal justice system. Walt was a volunteer Chaplain at Menard CC, Madison County Jail, and St. Clair County Jail. He also served as Chaplain for the Belleville Police Department, served as Field Supervising Chaplain for the State of Illinois, and was an auxiliary police officer for St. Clair County for many years.

Walt was a man who loved the Lord. He seldom missed a chance to witness about the Lord to people he met anywhere. One of his favorite ways was on the elevator. He would always ask the person if he could ask them a personal question. Most always the answer was yes, and he would proceed to hand them a gospel tract and ask if their last trip would be up or down? He wanted everyone to come to know the Jesus that changed his life in 1959.

Walt and Margret attended Faith Baptist Church for 38 years. Walt loved going to church until he was no longer able and then he watched the services on livestream. The Church was his second family. He loved Pastor Baker and Pastor Koontz, as well as their families and the other church members. In his younger years Walt helped in any way he could; building projects, teaching Sunday School and loved to work Vacation Bible School. Yes, he loved the Lord and he loved His people.

The family wishes to extend thanks to all family and friends who helped during Walt’s illness and transition. Additionally, thank you to BJC Hospice for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Law and Grace Ministries C/O Faith Baptist Church at 405 East Main St., Belleville, IL 62220.

Funeral: Due to current Covid-19 mitigations services are postponed to a later date. Services dates will be updated here, once they are scheduled.