Carl H. Shake

1934 - 2026

Carl H. Shake, of Brownstown, a well-loved philanthropist, business owner, and devoted family man, passed away at the age of 91 on the evening of Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Schneck Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Carl was a member of Brownstown Christian Church.

He was born on May 26, 1934, in Farmersburg, Indiana, to Hubert and Vera Jennings Shake, both of whom preceded him in death. Carl was raised and spent his early years growing up in Farmersburg.

Carl enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952, and he served during the Korean War, serving in Korea and Japan.

On October 14, 1961, in Terre Haute, he married Virginia "Jenny" Rose Hayne. Together, they shared many years devoted to raising their three daughters, Rhonda, Jodi, and Kelly. He was a loving and dedicated father and, in later years, was equally devoted to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carl began his career in the electric utility industry as an electric lineman with Public Service Indiana. After leaving Public Service, he went on to work for General Electric Company as a salesman, serving electric utility companies throughout the state of Indiana. In May of 1970, Carl partnered with Earl Hobbs, a Brownstown businessman, to form Brownstown Electric Supply Co., Inc. What began as a meeting grew into a long-standing and successful business partnership. Carl was an active and integral part of BESCO until around 2016, when his health no longer allowed him to continue his involvement.

Carl Shake was generous to a fault - the fault being that he appeared reluctant to accept any praise for his generosity. Bring up a project that had his fingerprints all over it and he would immediately name a half-dozen or so people who, he would say, really deserved the credit. Carl always seemed to draw people to him, who were as hard-working and willing to go the extra mile as he always did. Through the success of Brownstown Electric and the generosity of Carl, he made openhanded donations to the following Brownstown Central High School projects: tennis court lighting, baseball field lighting, girls softball field lighting, practice football field lighting and improving the weight and locker room facility.

Carl was also a big supporter of our community and the Town of Brownstown. He donated and gave full support to the Town Park softball field lighting, the Town Park volleyball court lighting, the Town Park basketball court lighting and the Town Park little league baseball field lighting. Additionally, Carl supplied the Court House with underground electric for the Watermelon Festival for numerous years and helped with the renovation of the Brownstown Town Swimming Pool.

Carl further demonstrated his support and commitment to our community and town by serving on the Brownstown Central School Board for 16 years, the Brownstown City Park Board for 24 years and the Jackson County Industrial Development Board for 8 years. He also served as leader of the Watermelon Festival for 26 years.

To show in part appreciation for his committed dedication, time and resources given to our community, Carl was named Brownstown Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, Brownstown Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, Brownstown Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, he was named to the Brownstown Central High School Hall of Fame, The Sagamore of the Wabash of Indiana in 2013, and most recently Carl Shake drive was dedicated in his name as well as The Town of Brownstown Carl Shake Day September 25, 2020.

Carl loved and adored his tight-knit family and loved supporting them and spending time with them. He was very much involved with his family and the family's continuing enterprises. They took vacations together, including going on a cruise and staying together at a villa in Mexico. He truly believed that everything in life starts and stops with taking care of family. Carl felt his life had been so blessed. He felt he had lived the American dream and that everything was wonderful.

Carl H. Shake is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Virginia "Jenny" Rose (Hayne) Shake of Brownstown; three daughters: Rhonda (Linda) King of Rockton, Illinois, Jodi (Perry) Myers of Brownstown and Kelly (Gregg) Deck of Brownstown; five grandchildren: Blaine (Heather) Stevens, Dalton (Denise) Stevens, Nigel (Kelsey) Myers, Paige (Brian) Wheeler and Jordan (Janelle) Deck, all of Brownstown, Angie (Lucas) Goza, Angela (Jennifer) Parent; fourteen great-grandchildren: Brantley Stevens, Owen Stevens, Demi Stevens, Darci Stevens, Harper Myers, Hudson Myers, Pierson Wheeler, Finley Wheeler, Willow Deck, Jones Deck, Grayson Goza, Parker Goza, Beckett Goza, and Sly Parent; and two sisters-in-law: Carolyn Thorne and Marian Shake.

Carl was also preceded in death by two brothers: Bill Thorne and Walter Shake, both of Terre Haute.

A Celebration of Life service for Carl will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Pewter Hall in Brownstown, with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. Immediately following the service, family, friends, and colleagues are invited to remain for a time of fellowship, including visitation and a reception, where memories, stories, and reflections of Carl's life may be shared.

Memorials may be given to Brownstown Central High School Athletics and Jackson County Dog Shelter.

Online memories and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com