Funeral services for Roy Shanks, 82, of Indianola, who passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Des Moines, will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 26, 2026, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Roy graduated in 1962 from Seymour High School. He was on the school football team and even served as class president.

After graduating, Roy served 4 years in the United States Navy as a Tech Petty officer DP 2nd class and was stationed on a sub tender in New London, CT.

Roy has always been a very active person and he had many likes. In his earlier years, Roy loved hunting, fishing, taking care of a big garden and supplying friends and neighbors with tomatoes. He began running at age 47 and it became a passion. Over the years he ran 13 marathons, multiple 1/2 marathons, and 10K’s - he even qualified for and ran the 100th Boston Marathon in 1996. He trained and ran his last 1/2 marathon at the age of 80! Rebuilding his ’49 Chevy Fleetline Special was a passion for several years, finding parts and even sewing up new upholstery. After retirement, Roy loved to read (4-5 books a week) and woodworking became a cherished hobby. He specialized in tables of all kinds, with the kitchen table being his pride and joy. He was in the process of building 3 end tables for his 2 granddaughters and their Mom, Chris. (His son Jim and Jason Griswold will finish those projects in Roy’s honor.)

Roy and Marilyn were married for almost 55 years and they loved to spend time at home with their dogs or just head out and go camping, which they enjoyed their whole married life.

Roy was a very active member of The American Legion in the Bondurant and later the Indianola Post #165 for many years serving on the Honor Guard, wearing his uniform in parades, or serving breakfast on Saturdays. He also served by working at the local election polls every year.

One of his loves was to head up to the Boundary Waters to camp and fish with his son Jim or they would just head to a nearby lake to see what was biting.

His biggest joy was his son Jim and his family. Jim has followed in his dads footsteps and has always made his dad proud except when he beat him at pool. Roy and Marilyn often were treated to one of Chris’ home cooked meals, followed by Lexi’s baked goods - couldn’t keep him away from dessert, especially if it was one of Lexi’s Snickerdoodles! Kaylee made his buttons pop when she became an RN. Both granddaughters have always been the sparkle in his eye.

Roy was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Roy is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Marilyn Shanks; son, Jim (Christina) Shanks; and granddaughters, Kaylee Shanks and Lexi Shanks. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Deleda Shanks; and brothers, Jerry Shanks and Max Shanks.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Overton Funeral Home. Memorials in memory of Roy may be given to the American Legion Post #165 in Indianola.