Clarence James Shanks Sr., age 88, passed away on November 21, 2021. He was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado for 48 years. He was born on May 18, 1933, to Roy and Lilly (Edwards) Shanks in Limestone, Tennessee. In March 1956 he married his wife Domie (Espinoza) Shanks in Taos, New Mexico.
He served with the 10th Mountain Division, 4ID at historical Camp Hale, CO as a US Army Military Police Staff Sergeant and retired in July 1973 at Fort Carson, CO. He later served with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Department and later retired from Digital Corporation.
Clarence loved fishing with family, spending time with his grandkids and watching the Denver Broncos. He also loved his lawn and had the best one on the block.
He is survived by his two sons William (Bill), Clarence Jr., daughter Nancy; and sister-in-law, Virginia Lujan. He also was the guardian of his great granddaughter Armoni Shanks whom he loved with all his heart and had many other precious grand- and great grandkids, along with many nieces and nephews and three daughters-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Domie Shanks, 2 sons, Lawrence (Larry) and James (Jimmy) Shanks, one daughter, Peggy Marie, his parents, a brother Herbert Shanks, and sister, Elizabeth Edwards.
A visitation will be held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., on December 3, 2021, and the memorial service will follow at 2:00pm. Inurnment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Garden of Tranquility.
Clarence (Pappa Shanks) will be truly missed by all his family members and friends.
Anonymous
28 Nov 2021I will truly miss you.? Your gentle hugs and kisses on my cheek are forever in my memories of how much you loved your family.. you are now at peace and in heaven with our loved ones who made their journey home ahead of you.. I imagine they welcomed you with open arms in the same way that you welcomed your family and friends.. Love Virg
Nancy (Shanks) Silva
28 Nov 2021I love you Daddy and miss you so much and yet I know you were tired poppa. I walked with you along the way to encourage, love, support you in this fight of crazy CV-19 (with pneumonia at that). You are the strongest man ever. I will be your baby girl forever in my heart always, and in my blood and soul. I told you I’d have your back always even after momma passed and I sure did. Broke my heart, but it’s okay. That’s what you and momma taught me..be a strong fighter for a good life for your family..Armoni is safe…she keeps asking for you…”Wanna go visit poppa?” Kiara holds her close and says it’ll be okay sissy. I know you missed all the ones you lost, we lost and I’d be really selfish to ask God give you back as you are truly an amazing father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend and oh so much more daddy. Thank you for always always sticking by me. ILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR PRECIOUS ARMONI and the new bond you established with KIARA.. It has been a ride with you after momma passed. But we were a team. Now I don’t have you dropping in doing my laundry, ha ha. Everyday every moment you’ll be with me just like momma and my brothers and my dear sister Peggy. Now we say rest, finally done with the icky food from rehab and feeling lonely at night. You’re with you wife and kids and all the rest that were waiting for you you in your last breath. Rest east daddy. I Promise I’ll do what you and momma wanted and take care of the girls???
Ellie Orr
3 Dec 2021I love you Guys so much. He was an incredible man. Loved by so many. He will be missed by all those that loved him. Love you baby girl❤❤❤❤
Sandy
28 Nov 2021My condolences to you and all lives he touched! He will greatly be missed by many! ❤❤
Virginia Shanks
28 Nov 2021I will miss you, although I take comfort that you are in heaven with the loved ones that have passed on before you.. I have so many fond memories and will always remember your welcoming hugs and kiss on the cheek. As the day of your service comes closer, I will find it very hard to say my final goodbye.
I just wanted to let you know that the memories will live in my heart forever…
Steve Young
1 Dec 2021The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Mr. Shanks’ service to our country in the Army. From the obituary it appears Mr. Shanks retired from the Army. If so, and you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Ellie Orr
3 Dec 2021We were neighbors for many years. He was a good man I have memories of him being out in the yard working and puttering always had a smile and a kind word. He was a good daddy. He will be missed rest in peace my friend