Gerald Lloyd Shanklin

Gerald Lloyd Shanklin, 81, of Luling, TX, formerly of Gonzales, TX, passed away Friday, July 15, 2011, in New Braunfels. He was born November 18, 1929, to Leonard Farris and Ophie Pearl Hickman Shanklin in Gonzales,TX.

Gerald was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Luling, where he served as a lay speaker, Sunday School teacher, and a member of various committees for a great number of years.

After graduating from Gonzales High School in 1948, he attended Texas Lutheran (College) University, graduating in 1952. He lettered in football in both high school and college. After college graduation, Gerald served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict (1952-1954) and was stationed in Japan.

He returned to Gonzales and became a teacher, coach and principal over a span of 20 years. He also taught in Shiner and Luling before retiring in 1984.

In 1951, he married Betty Jo Ebel. They enjoyed 28 years together until her death in 1979. After the death of Betty, Gerald met and married Doris Virginia Seay of Luling, and they married in 1979, making their home in Luling.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on the farm with his brother and best friend, Leonard, spending time with his family, and serving the Lord and his church family.

Gerald was a loving father, papaw, and husband whose heart and soul radiated God’s love. He never met a stranger and he truly loved people. He was an inspiration to many and it just made you feel good to be around him. We are all better persons for having known him and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Betty Jo Ebel; and brother, Leonard F. Shanklin, Jr.. He is survived by his loving wife, Doris Shanklin of Luling; daughters, Patrice Gray and husband Larry of Gonzales, and Becky Brownlow and husband Gail of Buda, TX; sons, Kevin C. Shanklin and wife Maureen of Wimberley, TX, and Donnie Seay and wife Nancy of San Antonio, TX; sister, Mary Rose Sanders of Gonzales; sister-in-law, Elaine Shanklin; grandchildren, Lindsey Jo Durrett, Jessica Laine Gray, Natalie Grace Shanklin, Greg Seay and wife Ann, Heather Williamson and husband Reagan, and Jeremy Brownlow and wife Brandi; and great grandchildren, Trevor, Katelyn and Hannah Jo Durett, Dalton and Crawford Banks, Campbell, Andrew and Arthur Seay, and Marley and Jayden Brownlow.

Memorial services were held 10:00 AM Monday, July 18, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church in Luling, with Rev. Judith Sellers officiating.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, memorials may be made in Gerald’s name to the First United Methodist Church, 703 E. Bowie, Luling, TX 78648; Gruene Senior Living, 1820 E. Common St., New Braunfels, TX 78130; C.T.M.C. Hospice Care, 1315 IH-35 North, San Marcos, TX 7866; or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul, Gonzales, TX 78629 (830)672-3232