From The Haleyville Advertiser-Journal, March 17, 1927
Submitted by Robin Sterling

Obituary. On January 15, 1927 the Death Angel came and took from our midst, our beloved friend, Mr. John L. Shank, who was one of our best citizens, a faithful Christian and a loving father and husband. He was born on the 8th day of August 1849, and came to Alabama in 1876, he was one of the pioneer citizens of Winston County, and has been closely identified with the development of our County. He served a term as Probate Judge of this county, and later moved to the Western part of the county, first settling at Delmar, and later moving to Natural Bridge, where he lived at the time of his death; he also was among the early pioneers in the development of the mineral resources of our County, being among the first coal operators in this section, and he was considered an authority on the mineral resources of this section.

He was married to Miss Julia Adelaid Johnson in 1877 and to this union was born eight children. He was survived by his wife and four of the children: Mrs. Sallie P. West, Miss Alberta Shank, Mrs. W.H. Jones and Mrs. C.A. Turner all of whom are highly respected Christian ladies. Mr. Shank was a member of the Baptist Church and since his identification with same has lived an exemplary Christian life.

A good man has gone to his reward and he will be missed in the community and County and by his friends and loved ones. He was buried at Concord Church and a large assembly of relatives and friends attended the funeral. The sympathy of the community goes out to his family and loved ones, in their sorrow and loss. Opie Gamble, a life long friend.