Noel Harris Shanko

A True Southern Gentleman

By Kathy Deering

When you hear the name Noel Shanko, what comes to mind?

A man with integrity, a man who is kind.

With sense of humor, there’s no doubt,

A true southern gentleman, within and without.

He’s a patriot true, why, some say he bleeds red, white and blue.

His memory is remarkable, you could say sublime.

I’d sure like to hear him recite just one more time,

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address – oh, he doesn’t like to brag,

But Johnny Cash would be proud of Noel’s Ragged Old Flag.

He’s an Army veteran who stood for the right

Helping his brothers as they chose to fight.

A human research tool while dressed in white.

His role was just as important, if not maybe more

For research to go on as never before.

His love for God, family and country can’t be denied.

And, I know for these he’s prayed and he’s cried

While trusting that God will always provide.

Being a pastor and leader is never easy,

But with Pat by his side, they made it look breezy.

We all look forward to the coming of Jesus

Whether we’re awake or sleeping

We really don’t care

Let’s just all make sure we are all there.