Gene Lynn Shanks Sr

Gene Lynn Shanks Sr was born on March 25, 1938, to William and Cora Shanks in Hubble, Kentucky.  Gene was the youngest of the three boys which his brothers were Andrew Lee and Walker Pennington Shanks. Gene received his education through the Lincoln School District. Gene furthered his education received various certification from various academic institutions. Gene professed his life to Christ at an early age where he sang in the choir.  Although he could not sing as well, he used this as a tactic to meet others. This led him to meet and marry his wife Patricia Ann Shanks of over 50 years. Gene and Patricia had three children Gene Lynn Jr, Bryan DuWayne, and his only daughter Tanja Renee. Gene worked for many years as a Supervisor for GM and retired after over 30 years of dedication.

Gene was an avid golfer where he spent lots of time and would travel around to golf with his buddies. He also loved to fish and would spend hours on his boat fishing. Many times, he would rent a houseboat so that he could live on the water for days which everyone didn’t share the same love. Hunting was another passion that Dad enjoyed which he would not only use guns but a bow & arrow as well. Another one of Dad’s idiosyncrasies is that he would go to the airports to watch planes take off and land. You were not able to touch his radio while riding in his car because it stayed on Watercolors because he had a strong love for music, jazz.  Dad loved to watch all sporting events of which Nascar was one of his favorites. He could also sit outside for hours watching birds and other wildlife. There were a few times that he would go out at night and ride around on the golf cart with a black light being a scorpion hunter. When dad didn’t feel as though he wanted to be as adventurous, you can count on the television to be on the western channel because that was considered, “good tv watching”.  Gene was always willing to give words of wisdom with so much patience and understanding. You may not always want to hear what he had to say but you knew he meant well. “You can do anything you put your mind to.”

We fulfilled one of his wishes which was to live his later years in Arizona with his daughter and daughter in Love, and their extended family but has returned home as his final wish to rest peacefully with his wife here in Indianapolis, Indiana.

On April 4, 2023, Gene departed this life of 85 years. He leaves to celebrate his legacy: His only daughter, which is how she always signed his cards, Tanja Renee (Tonitta); Grandchildren – DuWayne (Jessi), LaTasha (Leon), Jermaine, Najee (Katie), Kendall (Gwen), Eugene (Shana). Great-Grandchildren – Kodi, Noel, Skylar, Naleena, and Namiyah; Companion/Friend – Linda Whitfield. He was an awesome Uncle/honorary father to his nieces and nephews, Great friend, Neighbor, and golfing buddy to many people.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Cora, siblings Walker and Andrew, very recently his sons, Gene Jr and Bryan and great-grandson, Leon Thomas III. He also had a four-legged friend, Brittany.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd W. Drive, Indianapolis.  A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m.  Interment in Washington Park North Cemetery.