John Wade Shanks

John Wade Shanks, 57 of Villa Grove, IL passed away at 6:48 AM on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at his residence.

To honor John’s wishes, he is to be cremated, a Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the United Pentecostal Church, 1 South Pine St., Villa Grove, IL.  Rev. Jerry Conner will officiate.  The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

John was born on August 5, 1965 in Danville, IL.  He was a son of Gerald and Alice (Wilhelm) Shanks.  He married Linanne Oakley on March 9, 1985 in Villa Grove, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Linanne Shanks; two sons, Johnny Shanks and his wife Abby and Jordan Shanks and his wife Kaytie; four grandchildren, Caiden, Faydence, Mylen and Joella all of Villa Grove, IL, four siblings, Jim Shanks and his wife Theresa of Villa Grove, IL, Terrie Cravens and her husband Charlie of Villa Grove, IL, Tammy Southard of Villa Grove, IL and Jason Shanks and his wife Jami of Mattoon, IL; sister-in-law, Lanette Oakley of Lebanon, MO; many nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Shanks and Alice Fife; brother, Jay Shanks; brother-in-law, Ray Southard.

John had worked at Wirco in Champaign, IL, for 19 years.  

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and he loved playing basketball and softball.  John was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan and a Chicago Bears fan.  

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to John’s family.