Wayne Howard "Sonny" Shanks, 75, of Clute passed away on August 7, 2012 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on September 2, 1936, in Freeport, Texas, to the late Fran and Nora Belle Shanks. Sonny was the great grandson of Terry Tarpley Shanks, the first Shanks' family in Clute.
Sonny worked at the Velasco Drainage District from 1959 - 1998. He was also a member of the Clute Volunteer Fire Department for 42 years; he began volunteering at the age of 16, and was an active member until 1994. He was an avid hunter and he and Martha enjoyed traveling with the grandkids.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Martha Shanks; 2 sons Charles Marion Shanks, and wife Vicki of Clute; James Howard Shanks, and wife Cecy of Slocum; five grandchildren, Jonie Lynn Reed of Oklahoma, James Allen Shanks of Elkhart, Carol Jane Boykin of Slocum, Charles Michael Shanks of Clute, and Jimmy Edwin Shanks of Slocum, 15 great grandchildren and his dog Dolly.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents Fran and Nora Belle Shanks; grandson Charles Marion Shanks, Jr.; brother-in-laws Buster Farrar and Bill Miller; sister-in-law Carolyn Lorie; and niece Stephanie Dement.
Honorary pallbearers are Bob Kyle, James Ray Allen, Billy Ed Harlen, Joe Williams, Ralph Goodman, Kelly Moore and Don Myers.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, August 9 from 6-8pm at Lakewood Funeral Chapel in Lake Jackson. Services will be held on Friday, August 10, at 2pm at Lakewood Funeral Chapel, with Daniel Zepeda officiating.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet white doves in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

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