William E. Shank, 90, of Carlisle, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2016 at his home.  He was born on January 28, 1926 in Hagerstown, MD, and was a son of the late Frank L. and Goldie (Hovermill) Shank and was married for 56 years to the late Mildred “Millie” (Liszman) Shank, who died March 27, 2006. 

Mr. Shank attended Carlisle High School through tenth grade at which time he joined the United States Navy. During his high school years Mr. Shank competed in football, basketball, and boxing. During his military years he served as an Armed Guard on a merchant ship as part of the Atlantic Amphibious Force in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.  As a Seaman First Class Mr. Shank earned awards including European Theater Ribbon, Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon. Ships on which Mr. Shank served include SS Golden Fleece, USS LST 856, Ad Com Phibs Pac, USS LST 398, USS LST 1066, and USNTS Great Lakes.  Mr. Shank received his certificate of graduation from Carlisle High School in 2002 as part of the well-recognized war veteran honor program.

Following WWII, he met his future wife, Millie Liszman while working at the former Federal Equipment Factory in Carlisle. They were married in Carlisle on April 1, 1950 in the First Evangelical United Brethren Church.  Mr. Shank was a life-long member of Carlisle United Methodist Church where he served as an usher since 1950.

Beginning in 1951, Mr. Shank went to work at the United States Army War College located in Carlisle. He enjoyed thirty years as an exemplary cabinet maker and foreman in the furniture shop.  His responsibilities included building and refinishing furnishings throughout the entire college campus.  There were many colonels and generals who knew Mr. Shank by his first name and appreciated his superior workmanship.  During his tenure Mr. Shank also became highly qualified as a Lock Master having completed a two year course in only one year and thus serving as a professional Lock Master for the wide variety of security needs at a Federal Institution. Mr. Shank not only excelled as a professional furniture maker for the armed forces, but he also made furniture for his home and many friends and relatives.

An important part of Mr. Shank's life involved The Boy Scouts of America.  He earned the distinction of Eagle Scout and served as a scout leader for twenty years.  He especially enjoyed taking his scout troop to Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico. 

Mr. Shank is survived by one brother-in-law, Bill Riggs and wife Wendy; nephew, Allen Shank and wife Ellen; niece, Beth Shank and spouse Terry Wise; nephew, Dene and wife Angie Leonard; niece, Danita Leonard; niece, Susan Riggs and partner Jackie Wright; niece, Sally Gallagher and husband Chris, niece, Jennifer Green and husband Levi; great-niece, Jenna Shank and husband Steve Woodward; great-niece, Dena Leonard; great-nephew, Michael Gallagher; great-niece, Molly Gallagher and great-great-nephew, Griffin Woodward.  He was predeceased by one sister, Dolly Riggs, one brother, Evers and his wife Jean Shank and his sister-in-law, Eleanor and her husband Red McKillip.

A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2016 followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. in the Carlisle United Methodist Church, 45 S. West St, Carlisle, with Rev. Mira Hewlett officiating.  Burial with military honors by Cumberland County Honor Guard will be in Westminster Memorial Gardens, Carlisle.  A time of fellowship will be held at the church following the burial.  Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is in charge of the arrangements.  Memorial donations in Bill’s name may be made to Carlisle United Methodist Church or to Boy Scouts of America.