David Michael Shankel

David M. Shankel, 63, a long-time resident of San Antonio, TX, suddenly passed away on January 26, 2025, at his home, from complications related to Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (sometimes just called “Alpha-1”).

The younger of two brothers, he was born on September 10, 1961 in Salt Lake City, UT to Laura Ruth Shankel and Ingle Jesse Shankel.

David had a number of interests growing up, including activities enjoyed while he was in Scouts, fishing, bike riding (and motorcycle riding during and after his tenure in the army), and a continued interest in bowling and all manner of video games and other types of games that could be enjoyed with his family. He had an amazing ability to retain knowledge spanning a wide range of subjects that made him a fierce competitor in trivia games such as Jeopardy and Triviaverse. Beginning in his teen years David had an enduring strong love of rock music. He went to many concerts, including the Scorpions, Judas Priest, Rainbow, and ZZ Top, and over the years he collected a substantial number of albums. In an “interview” that his daughter conducted with David a few years ago (which David cherished) he noted that AC DC, Led Zeppelin, and ZZ Top were his favorite bands.

David’s early school years were spent in Oklahoma City, OK. The family moved to San Antonio in 1970. David graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1979. David proudly served in the United States Army on active duty from 1980 to 1984. Subsequently, during the time he was co-owning and operating a yard care company, David met Donna Elaine Bralley, and they were married from December 21, 1988 to September 1, 2006. David received his Associate of Applied Science—Computer Maintenance Technician degree from St Philip’s College on December 17, 1994. He did not have to wait long to put his degree to use as he was recruited by a San Antonio company, Office Communication Systems (OCS), through St Philip’s job placement program and was hired in March of 1995. It would become his career as well as a passion. David was promoted to Lead Technician in 2000 and Field Supervisor in March of 2005. In 2012 he was promoted to tool carrying Field Supervisor/Manager. OCS was acquired by Toshiba Business Solutions during David’s time with the company. David genuinely loved working with the many colleagues and customers he met during his career and expected to continue working until his full retirement age, but in 2015 Alpha-1, a rare genetic disorder, began to manifest. David worked as long as he could but finally needed to take a medical-based early retirement. David kept up his spirits as well as those of others, as he participated in treatment options to the extent possible while continuing to be actively involved with his family and keeping in touch with work colleagues.

David is preceded in death by his father Ingle Shankel, mother Ruth Shankel, and son Michael Rause. He is survived by his daughter Summer Simmons, son Chris Ramirez, brother James Shankel, granddaughter Sofia Ramirez, and many extended family members and friends.

The family welcomes support by making a donation in David’s name to the Alpha-1 Foundation or donating to the medical cause of your choice. Donations to the Alpha-1 Foundation may be made by visiting www.alpha1.org/donate or mailing to the following postal address: Alpha-1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134.