Walter A. Shank Sr.

HANOVER Walter Allen Shank, Sr., 90, formerly of Ellicott City, Md., died Saturday, November 24, 2007, at the Hanover Hospital. He married Anne (Clarke) in June, 1940, and remained so for 55 years until her death on March 23, 1995. On August 31, 1996, he married Glennys Schrock of Blountstown, Fla. Born January 31, 1917, in Denbigh, Va., he was the son of the late Mary (Miller) Shan and John Martin Shank. Mr. Shank was ordained to the Mennonite Ministry in 1946 and was Pastor of the First Mennonite Church of Columbia, formerly known as Maple Grove Mennonite Church, for 40 years. He and his late wife, Anne, moved to Sarasota, Fla., 33 years ago where they were instrumental in establishing the Mennonite Church of Sarasota. Mr. Shank, a well known builder in Howard County, Md., developed Montgomery Knolls, Annetta Gardens, Shepherd's Glen, and built many custom homes throughout the county. He was also known for his love of flying, big game hunting, and fishing. Along with his wife, Walter is survived by three daughters, Alice M. Shank of Westminster, Md., Mary E. Spedden of Sparks, Md., and Grace E. Shank of Westminster; one son, Walter Allen Shank, Jr. and wife, Gina of Sarasota, Fla.; and two grandchildren, Kara and Kevin Shank of Sarasota, Fla. He is also survived by stepchildren, Arlen Schrock and his wife, Velma of Theodore, Ala., Ruth Troyer and her husband, Gary of Due West, S.C., Lenora Longnecker and husband, Steve of Birmingham, Ala., Leonard Schrock of Blountstown, Fla., Duane Schrock and his wife, Pauline of Fairhope, Ala., and Myron Schrock and his wife, Sharon of Blountstown, Fla. One of eight children, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Paul, Mark, Aaron, and Ralph; and three sisters, Naomi Searle, Gladys Baer, and Mary Louise Martin. A viewing and time of sharing will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Faith Family Church, 4150 Sykesville Road, Finksburg, Md., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at the church. A reception will immediately follow the service. The Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 269 Frederick St., Hanover, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.