Leonard Shockley

1935-2022

Posted

Leonard “Deacon” Shockley passed away at age 87, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in St. Helen’s, Oregon.
He was born on Jan. 13, 1935, to John and Veta Shockley in Belle.
He served his country in the U.S. Army where he learned his life’s work skills and returned home in 1959. It was then he started working as a surveyor for the Missouri Department of Transportation and throughout his career had an integral part of constructing many of the bridges throughout Missouri, including the double bridge over the Missouri River in Jefferson City. He retired from MoDot in 1992.
Leonard could build anything he set out to do and also had an affinity for cars which led him to be involved with a stock car racing team in Jefferson City. He enjoyed local races and traveled to see many NASCAR races. He started restoring antique cars, not only fixing them and replacing parts, but also painting them.
In the later years of retirement, Leonard enjoyed watching tv, reading, and going for drives or sitting talking with his son. He loved spending time with grandchildren and animals. He usually had one or the other on his lap.
He was preceded in death by parents, John and Veta Shockley; special friend, Rosemary Prenger; grandson, Justin Houk; and granddaughter, Michaela Houk.
Leonard is survived by wife, Linda Shockley; children, Michael Shockley of St. Helen’s, Ore., and Kelley Shockley of Neosho; 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and four bonus grandchildren; sisters, Virginia Wooley and Verlee (Marvin) Backues both of Belle; and brother, Jerry Shockley of Belle.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 14, at Faith Baptist Church in Belle.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.