Richard E. Shank

Richard E. Shank, 76, of Elkhart, died Sunday afternoon, September 13, 2009, at his home. He was born in North Lima, Ohio, on October 26, 1932, to the late Lauren J. and Mary Edna (Yoder) Shank.  He married Eileen Reimer in Goessel, Kansas, on February 24, 1957.  She survives. A resident of the area since 1963, Mr. Shank served as State Senator from 1976 to 1988 and as State Representative from 1966 to 1976.  He owned and operated Dick Shank Realty.  He was the builder and developer of Sherwood Glens. A graduate of North Lima High School, Mr. Shank attended Hesston College.  He was a member of Dunlap United Methodist Church and an associate member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, North Fort  Myers, Florida.  He volunteered as a chaplain for Goshen General Hospital, Oaklawn, Lee Memorial Hospital of Fort Myers, Florida, Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, Cape Coral, Florida, and for the Sports Car Club of America .  He was Director of Professional License agency.  He was an avid runner and ran in the Boston Marathon six times.  He enjoyed gardening, old cars, and reading his Bible. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 17, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home and a half hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. A 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2009, funeral service will be held at the Dunlap United Methodist, with Pastor Joe Smith and Goshen General Hospital Chaplain Shaun Gerber officiating. Burial will be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Dunlap United Methodist Church or Goshen Care at Home Hospice.