Paul Ledru Shanks, age 54 , of Barry, IL passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022 in rural Barry, IL. He was born January 18, 1967 to Paul D. and Judith (Fuhrman) Shanks in Pittsfield, IL. He married Carol Robertson on July 27, 2001 in Barry, IL, and she survives.
Paul grew up in Milton, IL, and attended East Pike and Pittsfield schools. After graduating from Pittsfield High School, he went to work as the barn manager for the Little Ponderosa Exotic Animal Farm in Glasgow, IL. Paul then worked construction for a while before going to Jones Poultry. He worked as a meat cutter for Sav-A-Lot and then as a truck driver for Jones Poultry, Ryker, Combined Transportation, and Dyno.
Paul enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting for deer, and going to the mountains in Tennessee. He was a huge fan of LSU football. He like to cook- gumbo, ribs, and honey baked ham being his specialties. Paul was obsessed with coffee and was rarely seen without it. He was also known as a “pot stirrer”, grouchy, and ornery, but would help anyone he could. He loved getting his grandkids all stirred up and giving them rides in the side by side. Most of all, Paul loved his family. He enjoyed taking trips and being together with them.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his sons, Nick (Lyndsey) Hanlin, of Barry, IL, Levi (Rebecca) Hanlin, of Barry, IL, and Bryan Dakota Shanks of Winchester, IL; daughter, Amber Brackett of Winchester, IL; grandchildren; Brooklyn Hanlin, Ryder Nikonsuk, Kayson Hanlin, Rue Hanlin, MaeLee Hanlin, and Rhea Hanlin; brother, Shannon Dean Shanks of Louisiana, MO; and two sisters, Milissa Dawn (Ron) Bland of Brighton, IL, and Charity Ann (Steve) Campbell of Quincy, IL.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul D. Shanks; two brothers, Jerry Dean Shanks in infancy, and Timothy Luke Shanks; one grandson, Rylan Hanlin in infancy; and a special companion, Harley “Damn Dog” Shanks.
Visitation will be 2:00 P.M.to 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL. Service to follow at 4:00 P.M. Memorials are suggested to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.