Robert S. Shake

Robert Stewart Shake passed away July 9, 2004 at his home with his wife, family and friends at his bedside after a courageous battle with mesothelioma. Robert was born February 17, 1938 in Peoria, Illinois. He was 66 years old. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Linda Marie Shake, two sons, Robert S. F. Shake, Matthew L. Shake, daughter Sara A. Shake, two sisters Myrl Bishop and Jean Ann Sykes.He was preceded in death by his parents Mabel and Robert F. Shake. Robert was an Army veteran and attended Texas A & M University in College Station. He was the current Business Manager of IBEW Local Union 278 and had held this position for the past twelve years. Other offices he held in the union was as Organizer, President, Executive Board Member, Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee Member, delegate to the Texas State Association of Electrical Workers, delegate to the 35th and 36th IBEW International Convention, delegate and president of the Coastal Bend Labor Council, Secretary-Treasurer of South Texas Building and Trades Council, Supervisory Committee Member of the Local Union 278 Federal Credit Union. Robert was an original member of the Workforce Development Board. He was appointed by the City Council to the Electrical Advisory Board in 1999. Robert was a proud union member and representative who represented the members with fairness and respect. He was a lifelong Democratic Party activist who was respected among his peers for his tireless dedication toward labor issues and working families' issues. He was a proud "Yellow Dog Democrat". Robert was an avid history buff whose interest included antique trains and cars. He always surprised family and friends with his knowledge of historical facts and figures. He loved to tell jokes on any occasion to put others at ease. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. There will be a visitation from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at Seaside Memorial Park and Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00P.M. with the burial following the services at Seaside Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be, Robert S. F. Shake, Matthew L. Shake, Mike Carranco, Craig Loving, Lynn Tate, and Charles Oualline. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.