Derrel D. Shanks, 86, of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton. Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM also at the chapel. Cremation will follow with inurnment in the Vansant-Road Cemetery at a later time. Memorial contributions can be made to the Clinton Vo-Tech Automotive Technology Dept. and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Derrel Dean Shanks was born in Calhoun, Missouri to Violet (Stone) and Marvin Glen Shanks. Derrel graduated from Calhoun High School in 1957, and on January 30, 1959 he married Lucy Kathleen Stump. They had been married 66 years.

His wife Kathy is survived of the home, three daughters were born Cheryl Kathleen (Rick) Carter of Windsor, Missouri, Julie Lynn (Ben) Stoltman of Clinton, Missouri, and Susan Kay (Kathy Phipps) Shanks of The Villages, Florida, and half-sister Dottie Smith.  Preceding him in death is his mother Violet Downing, his father Glen Shanks and his two half-sisters Bonnie and Connie.

On July 3, 1966, Derrel went to work at the Montrose Power Plant for Kansas City Power and Light as a plant helper. Through the years he also held the positions of Power House Mechanic, and Tool Room Attendant. Derrel worked at the Montrose Power Plant for 32 years, retiring in 1994.

On July 20, 2025 he went home to Heaven to spend his eternity there. Derrel was saved when his youngest daughter was in kindergarten. Also surviving are his great grandchildren, Keith Dean, Maria Elizabeth, Alexandria Grace, their mother and dad, Bailey and Garth Hart, along with granddaughter Esther Kathleen and son Miles Teagen.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills funeral home in Clinton, Missouri.