David Shrake (98) of Beecher City

David Shrake, a cherished family man, respected veteran, and skilled carpenter, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham, Illinois.

Born on October 8, 1925, in Holliday, Dry Point Township, the son of Jacob and Lolo Blanche (Taylor) Shrake, David grew up with a solid foundation of hard work and integrity. After graduating from Cowden High School in 1944, he bravely served his country during World War II as a proud member of the United States Army. Upon returning from service, he pursued his passion for carpentry, becoming a skilled craftsman as a union carpenter with Local #742 in Decatur. David's personal life was as fulfilling as his professional one. He found love and companionship twice in his lifetime. In 1947, he married his first wife, Betty Galvin, who sadly passed away at a young age in 1961. David's heart found room to love again, and he married Hazel Ray Ellis, enjoying 40 years of marriage filled with shared memories and mutual respect. He was a member of Kaskaskia Church, where he served as a past trustee, and he maintained a lifetime membership with the VFW Post 4829 in Shelbyville, honoring his fellow servicemen and women. David's interests were a reflection of his character. A lover of carpentry, he continued to create and build long after his retirement, sharing his craft with those he loved. His joy for driving model A cars was surpassed only by the love he held for his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and happiness.

He is survived by a loving family who will miss him dearly: his son, Stephen (Ramona) Shrake of Mattoon; daughter, Wilda Harpster of Highland; stepson, Bert (Judy) Ellis of Galveston, Texas; stepdaughter, Ellen (Frank) Chudkosky of Aiken, South Carolina; grandchildren: Lora Shrake of Chicago, Lisa (Chris) Perry of Weston, Florida, Audra (Sid) Haarman of Effingham, Chance (Jenielle) Harpster of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Sabrina Gates of Altamont, Aaron Ellis of Montrose, Colleen (Kacy) Ellis of Brentwood, Tennessee, Jessica (Samuel) Kane of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Ana Chudkosky of Aiken, South Carolina. He also leaves behind a legacy of 19 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren who will carry on his spirit.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his two wives, his son Jim Shrake, and his five sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden with Pastor Nick Robertson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery with military honors by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials may be given in David’s honor to Kaskaskia Church or HSHS Hospice and mailed to Lockart-Green Funeral Home, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story by clicking here.