Jack McLennan Shanklin

Memorial services for Jack McLennan Shanklin, 68, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Lufkin with Rev. Gordon Blackman officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Jack was born July 22, 1958 in Houston, Texas to the late Mary Ann Ruth and Jack C. Shanklin, and died Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in a Lufkin hospital.

Jack was a husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, and all around goofball in the very best sense of the word. He could get a smile out of anyone and was willing to do whatever it took to get one, particularly out of those near and dear to him. He brought humor and laughter wherever he went and never took himself too seriously.

Jack engineered, tinkered, invented, and pondered—he was a problem solver and skilled craftsman. There was almost nothing Jack could not build, repair, or figure out. Whether it was building a custom home for a celebrity in Southern California, remodeling his historic home in Lufkin, or just helping his children fix their vehicles, he loved the details. He believed no job was impossible as long as you have the right tool. And, if he didn’t have that tool, he had no problem purchasing a new one.

His greatest build was the legacy he leaves to those he loved and left behind, who include his wife of 13 years, Mary Shanklin of Lufkin, Texas; his children: daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Shanklin of Orange County, California, son Jack Ryan Shanklin of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and daughter Krystin Marie Shanklin of Ft. Collins, Colorado; his siblings: brother Brad C. Shanklin (Julia) of Plano, Texas, sister Heidi Shanklin-Spock (Karl) of Austin, Texas, sister Heather Beach (Gary) of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and sister Kathryn Holcomb of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Those also left to cherish his legacy include Gini Janda (Chris) of Magnolia, Texas; and John W. Shanklin II (Jill) of Lubbock, Texas; Victoria Willoughby (Zach) of Hallsville, Texas; Cpl. Zachary B. Wood (USMC) of Camp Pendleton, California, John W. (“Jack”) Shanklin III of College Station, Texas, James W. Shanklin of Lubbock, Texas, Johanna K. (“Joey”) Shanklin of Lubbock, Texas, Jenna E. Shanklin of Lubbock, Texas, and River Willoughby and Kaisyn Willoughby both of Hallsville, Texas, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many, many cousins.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents.

More than anything, Jack will be remembered for the laughter he brought to those he loved, his determination to solve any problem, and his willingness to lend his skills, his tools, and himself whenever they were needed.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.