Gary Merl "Buck" Shanks

Gary Merl Shanks, known to all as "Buck," passed away on February 3, 2026, at his home in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family, at the age of 82.

Buck was born on January 31, 1944, at his family home in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. He remained deeply rooted there throughout his life, where family, hard work, and loyalty shaped the man he became. Buck was steady, strong-willed, and never one for frills or fuss. He lived life on his own terms, yet never failed to tell his family that he loved them and that he was proud of them.

An avid deer hunter, Buck felt most at home in the woods and spent countless hours outdoors, often found in a deer stand. At Thanksgiving, during deer season, everyone knew that when Buck came in from the woods, it was time to eat and we had better be ready. The outdoors was not just something Buck enjoyed; it was part of who he was.

Buck proudly served his country in the United States Army, entering active duty on January 29, 1963, and being honorably discharged on January 28, 1966, completing three years of honorable service. He served with the 618th Engineer Company (Airborne) under the Third U.S. Army, with his final duty station at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His military specialty was Pioneer/Mechanic, performing hands-on, physically demanding engineering, construction, and support work essential to keeping units operational. During his service, Buck earned the Parachutist Badge, Mechanic Badge, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. His airborne qualification reflected his strength, grit, and willingness to do hard work without complaint.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, Buck married the love of his life, Jackie Lee Hales, just over three months later. They were united in marriage on May 14, 1966, and shared nearly 60 years together, building a life grounded in commitment, resilience, and love, centered on family and faithfulness. Jackie lovingly referred to Buck as her "Bucky baby," a name that reflected the deep affection and bond they shared.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Stella and Merl Shanks; his child, Sammy McDonald; his siblings, Timmy Shanks, Dale Shanks, Gale Scotch, Jerry Shanks, and David Shanks; his niece, Sarah Shanks; and his nephew, Tony Shanks.

Buck is survived by his wife, Jackie Lee Shanks; his children, Steven and Margo Shanks of Checotah, Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Tiffany and Dillon Rodden of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Samantha Shanks of Checotah, Oklahoma, Steven Jr. and Heather Shanks of Portland, Texas, and Dustin Shanks of Checotah, Oklahoma; his great-grandchildren, Landon Shanks, Parker Shanks, Clayton Rodden, and Clint Rodden; his siblings, Johnny and Elsie Shanks of Warner, Oklahoma, Nancy and Joe Caves of Plano, Texas, and Jeannie and John Pierce of Allen, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Buck will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his steady presence, and the legacy of family and values he leaves behind.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday February 7, 2026 at the First Assembly of God in Webbers Falls. Interment will follow at the Garden Of Memories in Vian under the care and direction of Lescher-Millsap Funeral Home. Viewing will be on Friday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. The family will greet friends beginning at 5:00 pm.