1SG (Ret) Charles Leon Shank Sr, born January 6, 1971, departed this life transitioning into the arms of the Lord on Monday, July 8, 2024, after an 18 long year battle with a rare form of cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma cancer. He was 53 years old.
Shank, as he was so affectionately known, was surrounded by the love of his family and friends in the months and days leading to his passing. If he didn’t know anything, he knew for certain he was loved.
Shank was born in New Orleans, LA to the late Susan Hartmann Shank and Charles C. Shank. He was a 1989 graduate of Salmen High School in Slidell, LA. Immediately after high school, Shank joined the United States Army where he served 22 years of honorable service to his country retiring as First Sergeant in 2010. His stateside assignments were Fort Ord, CA, Fort Stewart, GA, and New Orleans Recruiting Station. Shank also served overseas in Germany in the 28th Transportation Battalion where he served in multiple leadership roles; Platoon Sergeant, 68th Trans Co., Truckmaster, 69th Trans Co., Detachment First Sergeant, 260th Trans Co., and Company First Sergeant 109th Trans Co. Shank’s final stateside assignments were as Interim SGM for DPTMS and NCOIC of the U.S. Army Inspector General Office at Fort Eustis, VA.
His decorations and honors include 1 Bronze Star Medal -Iraq Campaign, 1 Meritorious Service Medal, Order of Saint Michael, 5 Army Accommedation Medals, 6 Army Achievement Medals, 6 Army Good Conduct Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal and Gold Army Recruiters Badge with one sapphire achievement star. He unequivocally lived a life of service. In 2010 he received a BA in Sociology from Saint Leo University. After an outstanding 22 year career in the U.S. Army, Shank entered the workforce as government civilian that same year serving as SFAC Human Resources Specialist and late as Fleet Manager – Team Lead for GSA. He officially retired with a combined 35 years of total service in 2023.
On September 18, 1999, he married the love of his life Natasha L. Whitten. Together they have 3 beautiful children, Charlie, Aaron, and Jasmyn, his pride and joy. His love for his family transcended any ever known or openly expressed. Shank was also a car enthusiast, motorcycle rider, and history buff. He loved doing burnouts every chance he got. He would rev an engine all night, just ask our neighbors. If you ever got the chance to ride with him or spend time in his office, you’d immediately come to realize his love of music, he had the best playlist.
Shank was the type of person who never met a stranger. To know him was to love him. You immediately knew his love for his family was deep, his love for Tasha was over the moon and his love for the Lord was evident. Not only was Shank the soldier of all soldiers, he was an incredible son, brother, father, as well as the ultimate leader, mentor and friend. Shank was Ordained as a Deacon in Germany April 2007. On his Facebook page “Diakonos” is Greek for Deacon. He served honorably in his deacon duties for as long as his health would allow.
Charles Leon Shank Sr. is survived by his wife of 25 years, Natasha, son Charlie (Laura) Shank Jr., son SGT Aaron Shank and daughter Jasmyn, his brothers Ron (Sharon), Mike (Debbie), Randy (Loretta), Martin ‘Burt’ (Lisa) Shank and Jared (Joanna) Culbertson. His aunts Nancy (Dave) Archer, Carol (Nelson) Alquist. His in-laws Winston (Mary) Whitten Sr., as well as a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Susan Barger, father, Charlie C. Shank, grandmother Rita Fritsch-Hartmann, grand-father Leon M. Hartmann, aunt Betty Giordano, and uncle Leon M. Hartmann Sr.
The family suggests using Eden’s Floral Designs for your floral needs:
5124 Charles City Road
Henrico, VA 23233
804-980-6377
