CONFIRMED: David Michael Shankel, Veteran, US Army (35-25) 10 Feb 25
2117 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
USA
US ARMY VETERAN
The family of Mr. David Michael Shankel, a US Army Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
David M. Shankel, 63, a long-time resident of San Antonio, TX, suddenly passed away on January 26, 2025, at his home, from complications related to Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (sometimes just called “Alpha-1”).
The younger of two brothers, he was born on September 10, 1961 in Salt Lake City, UT to Laura Ruth Shankel and Ingle Jesse Shankel.
David had a number of interests growing up, including activities enjoyed while he was in Scouts, fishing, bike riding (and motorcycle riding during and after his tenure in the army), and a continued interest in bowling and all manner of video games and other types of games that could be enjoyed with his family. He had an amazing ability to retain knowledge spanning a wide range of subjects that made him a fierce competitor in trivia games such as Jeopardy and Triviaverse. Beginning in his teen years David had an enduring strong love of rock music. He went to many concerts, including the Scorpions, Judas Priest, Rainbow, and ZZ Top, and over the years he collected a substantial number of albums. In an “interview” that his daughter conducted with David a few years ago (which David cherished) he noted that AC DC, Led Zeppelin, and ZZ Top were his favorite bands.
David’s early school years were spent in Oklahoma City, OK. The family moved to San Antonio in 1970. David graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1979. David proudly served in the United States Army on active duty from 1980, to 1984. Subsequently, during the time he was co-owning and operating a yard care company, David met Donna Elaine Bralley, and they were married from December 21, 1988, to September 1, 2006. David received his Associate of Applied Science—Computer Maintenance Technician degree from St Philip’s College on December 17, 1994. He did not have to wait long to put his degree to use as he was recruited by a San Antonio company, Office Communication Systems (OCS), through St Philip’s job placement program and was hired in March of 1995. It would become his career as well as a passion. David was promoted to Lead Technician in 2000 and Field Supervisor in March of 2005. In 2012, he was promoted to tool carrying Field Supervisor/Manager. OCS was acquired by Toshiba Business Solutions during David’s time with the company. David genuinely loved working with the many colleagues and customers he met during his career and expected to continue working until his full retirement age, but in 2015, Alpha-1, a rare genetic disorder, began to manifest. David worked as long as he could but finally needed to take a medical-based early retirement. David kept up his spirits as well as those of others, as he participated in treatment options to the extent possible while continuing to be actively involved with his family and keeping in touch with work colleagues.
David is preceded in death by his father Ingle Shankel, mother Ruth Shankel, and son Michael Rause. He is survived by his daughter Summer Simmons, son Chris Ramirez, brother James Shankel, granddaughter Sofia Ramirez, and many extended family members and friends.
WEATHER: Hi 71 / Lo 64, 8 % Chance of Rain, 83 % Humidity, Wind: 7 mph ENE
REQUESTOR: Pierre Cobb, Family SPOX
STAGING: 8:15 am, Monday, February 10, 2025
Ebb Tide Lounge
2117 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/4sMDzLt1L3RavAzh7
BRIEFING: 8:30 am
KSU: 9:00 am (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 9:15 am – Shelter #2 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92
RC: Juan “Mr. T” Tarango
juantarango16@yahoo.com
FC: Charles “Music Man” Jones
Cj083206@gmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers