Charles R. Shank

Charles R. Shank, age 79, husband of Elizabeth (Campbell) Shank, of Lower Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023 in the Phoenixville Hospital. Born on October 8, 1943 in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Kathryn (Hopple) and E. Ray Shank. Early in life Charlie developed a love of sports, excelling in ping pong tournaments, and played on championship Little League baseball and football teams. This love continued as a lifelong Eagles fan. In East Norriton Junior High, he lettered on Varsity football, basketball and track teams and was elected Class President in 1958. In Norristown High School, he devoted spare time to the Junior Varsity soccer squad, Future Teachers of America Club, and was a member of the senior farewell dance committee. Charlie was elected as President of his class in his Junior year and received the Class of 1940 Memorial Award for his outstanding work in many activities. He attended Ursinus College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. While there, he was a member of Delta Pi Sigma, and played soccer winning a "most valuable player award." After graduation in 1965, he began teaching science in the East Norriton and Norristown School Districts. In 1966, he married his high-school sweetheart. In 1970, he began teaching earth/space science in the Methacton School District, the year that his son Chris was born. He became a three-season coach that included the boys Cross Country team, as well as the spring and winter track teams. In 1993, he became a member of the elusive 200-win club when his cross country team picked up a pair of Suburban League American Conference wins. Retiring from teaching in 1997, he continued coaching until 2002. Throughout this time, he assisted his wife with the craft business they began in 1987, Shank's Folk Art, as they collected antiques and expanded their knowledge of history. In 2004, they began volunteering at the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center, working with its curator as the museum expanded. An accomplished folk artist, he sold his pieces in the museum's shop. In 2001, he reunited with an Ursinus soccer team member and fraternity brother and for the past decade, Charlie and his wife have been active fighting for a cleaner environment as members of ACE, the Alliance for a Clean Environment. In addition to his loving wife, Charlie is survived by his son: Christopher Shank; grandchildren: Abbie & KC Shank; brother: Douglas (Suzanne) Shank; and beloved inlaws, nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville. Friends will be received from 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charlie's name to the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center, 105 Seminary Street, Pennsburg, PA 18073, https://www.schwenkfelder.org/donation. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Charles R. Shank

October 8, 1943 - September 21, 2023