Jack Cherry Shanklin

Jack Cherry Shanklin, passed away at age 79 on the morning of the 30th of September 2013, in Houston, TX, after a brief battle with lung cancer. Jack was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Jack and Virginia Shanklin, along with three brothers and three sisters. He grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma, graduated from Lawton High School, and also attended the University of Oklahoma. Jack was preceded in death by sisters, Judy Dodson and Jean Orr, as well as brother, Bill Shanklin. He is survived by Bob Shanklin of Lawton, Jerry Shanklin of Spring, TX, and Jane Jones of Lawton.

Jack married Mary Ann (Ruth) Shanklin in August 1955 and had four children: Heidi Spock of Austin; Heather Beach of Colorado; Jack Shanklin of Lufkin; and Brad Shanklin of Plano. Jack married his current beloved wife Debbie (Coley) Shanklin on the 17th of September 1983, and they have one daughter, Kathryn Shanklin, of Ft. Lauderdale.

Jack was a tireless entrepreneur and owned Superior Stationers, Inc., for 20+ years with his brother Bill in Houston, then sold and moved into the golf business, at one time owning several Pro Golf franchises in Houston, reflecting his lifelong passion for golf. He enjoyed playing many of the great golf courses across the country and in Scotland, and was a member of Royal Oaks Country Club.

Jack is survived by his wife Debbie and his five children, along with eight grandchildren: Sarah Cain of Austin; Jessica Gosda of Newport Beach, CA; Lauren Shanklin, of Irvine, CA; Luke Gosda of San Francisco; Jackson Shanklin of Thousand Oaks, CA; Krystin Shanklin, 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force; Natalie Shanklin of Plano; and Connor Shanklin of Plano, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was known for his positive outlook, his humor, and his larger-than-life personality; he had a gift for making the perfect stranger smile within five minutes of meeting him. He adored his family and enjoyed life to its fullest.

A memorial service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 3rd of October in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where Dr. Edgell Franklin Pyles, PhD. is to officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider making a memorial contribution in Jack’s memory to The First Tee of Greater Houston, attention donations, 5810 Wilson Road, Suite 112, Humble, TX 77396; 281-454-7000.