Billy Ray Shanks, Jr.

 

Billy Ray Shanks, Jr. 59, of Dearborn, MO, passed away, Sat, Feb 1, 2014 at his home.

 

Billy Ray was born on November 2nd, 1954 in Clovis, New Mexico to Billy Ray and Dollie Shanks.

           

After graduating from North Platte High School, he started his 41 year career with the phone company.  During this time he started dating Carla Lake, a cheerleader that he first met when he tackled her on the sideline during a muddy football game.  On June 13th, 1975, they were united in marriage.  Two years later, they made their home in Dearborn, MO, a block down from his parents.  In 1976, they welcomed their first daughter into the world, followed closely by a second one in 1978. 

 

Billy was a lifelong athlete.  He played baseball, softball, basketball, and if lawn mowing

can be considered a sport, he “played” it the most.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and finding mushrooms.  He dedicated a major portion of his life to being a coach and making all of his “girls” into champions.

           

Billy was a big believer in work first, play second.  He served on the city council and on the North Platte School Board as a Treasurer and President for 15 years.  He dedicated most of his free time to helping family, friends and those in need. 

           

In recent years, one could find him after work in his backyard playing football, basketball and baseball with his grandson, Cameron.  He and his little buddy also enjoyed fishing, gardening, mowing the lawn, and most of all, their daily coffee break with the guys.  

           

He is preceded in death by his mother, Dottie Shanks.

           

He is survived by his wife, Carla; daughters, Summer Leupold and Heather Shanks; grandson, Cameron Leupold; father Billy Ray Shanks, Sr.; sister, Diane McKown, and brother, Lonnie Shanks; numerous family members and many friends.

 

Celebration of Life:  6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5^th at The Rock of KC, 12750 Winan Rd, Kansas City. 

Donations:  North Platte Foundation; Billy Ray Shanks, Jr. Scholarship.

Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Edgerton.