Walter Shank Jr. of Paulding, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Walter was born April 6th, 1934 in Continental to Walt and Eve (Decker). He was one of 14 siblings and grew up in McClure. He joined the US Army and made Sgt First Class at only 19 years old after serving in Korea.

Walt worked at Tomas Erie Pie and did many other jobs to support his family. He married Donelda Glore and had Jennifer and Lenny.

He is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Kelley, and grandchildren Courtney (Zach) Witkouski and Ryan (Donna) Kelley, great-grandchildren Rowan and Holland, siblings Gene, Jay, and Betty Joy and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is proceeded in death by his son Lenny, and siblings Charles, Donald, Chester, Lowell, Lewis, Cora Mineff, Helen Shank, Mildred Kistner, Lena Brenneman, and Eva Crawford.

Walter was a very giving man and would give you the shirt off his back. He helped everyone around him and loved deeply. He did excavating work after retirement for his church for free. He spent many nights at the campground with his family cooking over his big cast iron pot and could roast the perfect marshmallow. He was an extremely hard worker and so dependable. He loved watching old westerns like Bonanza and played his harmonica like no other.

Although we will miss you so much, we are happy you're Home now.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Memorial Service will follow at 4:00 pm at the funeral home, with Rev. Dwayne Richardson officiating, with military rites conducted by VFW #3360. Walt will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com

Wounded Warrior Project
7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville FL 32256
Tel: 1-877-832-6997
Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/