Thomas Shanks
Obituary
Dr. Thomas Lanier Shanks was born December 23, 1943 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to William Albert and Nita (Lanier) Shanks and passed from this life on August 31, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family.
Tom was a graduate of Edison High School and the University of Missouri at the Kansas City Dental School. He was a man of high integrity, hard work ethic and dedicated to his patients during his forty years of practice. His love of antiques and golf can only be surpassed by his love of family.
Preceded in death by his parents, Thomas is survived by his wife, Rita Antoinette (Dempsey) Shanks; his daughters, Tempest Dawn Sharp and husband Brian & Tammie Lynn Nogle; his step sons Sean Ridgway, John T. Ridgway and Kenneth R. Grogan; his brother, Bill Shanks and wife Irinia; and his grandchildren, Hunter Nogle, Nathan McCoy, Austin Lowe, Logan Lowe and Peyton Ridgway.
Tom will lie in state 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday with family receiving friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and his funeral will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, all at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Rita - I cannot tell you how much the two of you have meant to me through the years. I treasured the painting you guys gave me after Vic died, and I will absolutely make it one of my greatest treasures now. There are no words I can say that will make it better -- but know this. You are one strong woman, and from another strong woman who has lived this nightmare, it won't be easy, but it can be done. And if you EVER just need to vent, cry, scream, feel sorry for yourself - you have my phone number somewhere. And if you don't I'll give it to you at the service tomorrow. I will never find another one like him. He's the only dentist I ever knew who would meet me on weekends, holidays, vacations, etc., when one of my crowns fell out. But more than that, I will never find another one who really cares about his patients - and his friends. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. I bet Vic was one of the first to greet him. Barbara
Barbara Chappelle
Dr Shanks was more than our family dentist for over 40 years, he was a friend. His sense of humor as well as his skills put us at ease on more than one occasion. It was not unusual for him to sit and chat while treating us. He always had a smile on his face and always had something kind to say. Going to miss that guy.
Bob and Cathy Hunt
Rita, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Tom was just the nicest person. I am so sorry.
Sherry Petty
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathy Blair and family
All my prayers are with your family. I enjoyed knowing Dr. Shanks. We used to trade stories when we were both involved with antiques. God bless your family. Janice Hensley
Janice Hensley
Daddy i love you more than you ever knew, i admired you, loved you, missed you, and adored you... You were a great man, and touched so many lives of so many people. You are truly a role model, in many many way.....
Tempest Shanks (Sharp)