William Shanley

William “Russ” Shanley, age 89, of Battle Creek, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2014. He was born August 26, 1924 in Tekonsha, Michigan the son of William M. and Elizabeth J. (Johnston) Shanley of Marshall. Russ graduated from Marshall Public Schools in 1942 and entered the Army Air Corp in 1943. He served as a crew member on B-24 Liberator Bombers over enemy occupied Europe. After completing 34 missions, he returned to the U.S. and was discharged on October 17, 1945. After two years at Argubright Business College, he entered the savings and loan field at Industrial Savings and Loan where he worked for 2 ½ years. In 1950, Russ married Gene (Spencer) and together they raised three sons who survive; Larry M. (Julie) Shanley of Allegan, Jeff C. Shanley and Gregory T. Shanley both of Battle Creek. Also surviving are two grandchildren: Megan and Kelly Shanley; three nieces: Linda (Terry) McNitt of Niles, Beverly (Paul) Filipan of Battle Creek and Sandy (Jerry) Harper of Burlington; and two nephews: Brian Udell and Bob Lewis both of Marshall. Russ was preceded in death by his wife in 1994 and two sisters and their spouses: Dorothy (Leonard) Lewis and Virginia (Clive) Udell.  He was employed for Sears in the hardware department of 3 years and then decided to go back to the savings and loan business joining Calhoun Federal Savings and Loan in 1954. Russ retired 32 years later as the Pennfield Branch Manager of Great Lakes Federal Savings and Loan. He was a Past President of the Lakeview Kiwanis Club, Past President of the Michigan Chapter of American Savings and Loan Institute and former member of National Office Managers Association and Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed being with family, mushrooming, metal detecting, hunting, fishing, traveling, carving and boating. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with interment to follow at Sherwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice in memory of Gene. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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