Leonard E. Shook Sr.

October 16, 1936 - May 17, 2023

Man of Honor

A man who built his life on the unshakable foundation of honor and respect forged in strength and values.

Leonard grew up in Atchison, Kansas, where they had a home and a family farm. The skills he learned on the farm he would carry with him for the rest of his life. Such things as love for God, family, and country, a good strong work ethic, seeing a project to completion, and never wavering from his goals as he set forth to sculpt his future.

Born during the Great Depression, operating the family farm enabled the Shook family to make it through the Depression. Born one of eleven children to Albert Prince Shook and Mary Alameda Shook.

A family held together by LOVE for GOD, one another, and the land that provided their living.

It was a cool day in the early fall of 1936, a Friday with a fire softly burning and food on the stove. Mary is surrounded by the women of the family preparing to give birth to her and Alberts's 5th child. The prayers from the heavens were answered when a healthy baby boy on Friday, October 16th, 1936, was delivered safely in the arms of his loving mother. Having four older brothers and sisters made it easy for Leonard Elmer to be the focus of their affection. Arthur (Prince), Yvonne (Piggy), Herbert, and Lavera stood in awe of their new brother. Yet the family grew even more as Marvin, John, Hattie, George, Michael, Viola, and Victor, joined the Shook dynasty.

Growing up, Leonard lived the values taught in the Bible. Baptized at a young age was something that he would carry with him for the rest of his life.

Leonard played and excelled at many sports, but his best sports were football and basketball. He developed a fondness for fishing, playing card games, dancing, and listening to music, these were his favorite things to do, and he enjoyed doing those throughout his childhood. They brought him enjoyment for the rest of his life.

Educated in Atchison, Kansas, upon completion and graduation of his high school education, Leonard enlisted in the United States Navy. He served a complete tour and received a China Service Medal. He served with excellence, valor, and integrity.

Leonard met and married the love of his life Gloria. They Married on September 16,1962. They would live as one until death did them part. Knowing fatherhood and family values, Leonard fathered four magnificent children, Denise, Leonard Jr., Michael, and Leah. With the importance of providing for his family, Leonard made a career as a precision machinist with Martin Marietta and Gardner Denver. His final field of endeavor was as a Plant manager with Rockwell International and EG&G Rocky Flats; he retired in 1998.

As a man of faith, Leonard attended Heritage Christian Center, The Potter's House, and Colorado Community Church.

Staying true to his farming upbringing, Leonard would plant one of the most spectacular home gardens in the entire community. He would landscape and manicure his yard like none other.

Leonard enjoyed listening to Jazz, Blues (BB King), Motown, and Gladys Knight. On many occasions, Leonard and Gladys took that Midnight Train to Georgia. Other groups that Leonard greatly enjoyed were the Stylistics, Little Anthony and The Imperials, The Flamingos (I Only Have Eyes for You), the Temptations, and Four Tops, to name a few of Leonard's playlists. Leonard would relax by playing Pinochle, Bid Whist, bowling, and fishing. Leonard was an avid reader; he loved Western novels and series Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove" and anything Louis Lamour had written.

Leonard was keen on old black-and-white television westerns. Soul food was Leonard's absolute favorite cuisine, so much so that he would give nicknames to the different parts of the food that he would eat. Such as the listeners (Pig Ears), the "wiggler" (Pig Tails), the walkers (Pig Feet), and boy, did he love chitterlings and oxtails.

Through it all, Leonard enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family laughing, fellowshipping, and enjoying one another.

Flowers bloomed in late spring, and Robin sang on Wednesday, May 17, 2023; Leonard drew his last breath. As he crossed that majestic river, he was met by his wife, Gloria, with a warm embrace. His father, mother, Albert, Mary, Siblings Viola, Marvin, LaVera, and Yvonne.

The phases of Leonard's life will continue to be written by those who will treasure his memory. His children are Denise Shook, Leonard E. Shook Jr., Michael Shook, and Leah Shook- Martinez. His siblings are Arthur Prince Shook, Herbert Shook, John Shook, George Shook, Victor Shook, Michael Shook, and Hattie Shook-Reeves.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.