1923
Wilbert
2010
Wilbert A. Shanks
December 26, 1923 — March 11, 2010
Harlingen:
Wilbert “Bonnie” A. Shanks, 86, entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday, March 11, 2010 forever to rest and rejoice with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bonnie was born on December 26, 1923 in Brownsville, TX to Angus and Viola Shanks. He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17. After receiving his boot training in San Diego, CA, he was assigned to the USS Helena as a seaman.
Bonnie was at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked on December 7, 1941. The Helena received damage and after repair they engaged in the battle of Guadal Canal on October 30, 1942 and November 13, 1942.
His next engagement was at Kula Gulf on July 6, 1943 at which time the USS Helena was sunk by enemy torpedoes. Survivors were rescued and taken to New Heberdes Islands. He then returned to the States and was assigned to the USS Major in December 1943. While aboard the Major they did convoy duty from Norfolk, VA to Trinidad and North Africa. The USS Major ran convoy’s between Philippians, New Guinea and Okinawa.
Bonnie received his discharge from the Navy on January 4, 1947. He then enlisted in the Navy Reserves and retired on December 25, 1983.
He also served as Postmaster of Combes from June 23, 1966 until his retirement in July of 1989. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Combes and served as a Deacon for many years.
Bonnie is survived by his wife, Jean, of Combes, whom he married on November 26, 1945 and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Natalie Billings, and his brother, Harold, who lost his life in the Korean War.
Visitation hours will be held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Combes, 10:00 AM, Monday, March 15, 2010 with the Rev. Steve Weist officiating. Burial will follow with at Harlingen-Combes Cemetery with Military Honor’s.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacon’s at the First Baptist Church of Combes.
The family request that those desiring to do so may make memorial donations to the First Baptist Church of Combes, c/o Children’s Ministry ,402 Templeton, Combes, TX 78535.
You are invited to leave a condolence or memory at www.buckashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Wilbert “Bonnie” A. Shanks, 86, entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday, March 11, 2010 forever to rest and rejoice with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bonnie was born on December 26, 1923 in Brownsville, TX to Angus and Viola Shanks. He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17. After receiving his boot training in San Diego, CA, he was assigned to the USS Helena as a seaman.
Bonnie was at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked on December 7, 1941. The Helena received damage and after repair they engaged in the battle of Guadal Canal on October 30, 1942 and November 13, 1942.
His next engagement was at Kula Gulf on July 6, 1943 at which time the USS Helena was sunk by enemy torpedoes. Survivors were rescued and taken to New Heberdes Islands. He then returned to the States and was assigned to the USS Major in December 1943. While aboard the Major they did convoy duty from Norfolk, VA to Trinidad and North Africa. The USS Major ran convoy’s between Philippians, New Guinea and Okinawa.
Bonnie received his discharge from the Navy on January 4, 1947. He then enlisted in the Navy Reserves and retired on December 25, 1983.
He also served as Postmaster of Combes from June 23, 1966 until his retirement in July of 1989. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Combes and served as a Deacon for many years.
Bonnie is survived by his wife, Jean, of Combes, whom he married on November 26, 1945 and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Natalie Billings, and his brother, Harold, who lost his life in the Korean War.
Visitation hours will be held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Combes, 10:00 AM, Monday, March 15, 2010 with the Rev. Steve Weist officiating. Burial will follow with at Harlingen-Combes Cemetery with Military Honor’s.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacon’s at the First Baptist Church of Combes.
The family request that those desiring to do so may make memorial donations to the First Baptist Church of Combes, c/o Children’s Ministry ,402 Templeton, Combes, TX 78535.
You are invited to leave a condolence or memory at www.buckashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
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