John DeRemer Shanklin, 91, formerly of Pinellas Gladiolus, Inc. in Fort Myers, Fla., and president of SAF from 1957-1959, passed away on Sunday, May 4 at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, Fla. Known to his family and friends as Jack, Shanklin's career centered on the expansion and diversification of Pinellas Gladiolus, Inc. to include potted plants and chrysanthemums. He went on to introduce and implement a variety of transportation and logistics concepts to the industry.

Shanklin is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth Jackson, and  three daughters, Susan Shanklin Threlkel, Mary Shanklin Pringos and Sally Shanklin Rosser.

Born in Philadelphia, in 1916, and raised in Clearwater,  Fla., Shanklin earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1938 and served as a flight engineer on a B-29 in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Always the concerned and involved citizen, Shanklin participated in numerous councils, clubs and committees. He was a member and examiner on the Civil Service Board and an active senior member of the Ft. Myers Rotary Club. Shanklin also served as an organizing director and treasurer of Fort Myers Federal Savings and Loan.

Funeral services were held for Shanklin on Saturday, May 10 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. The family asks that donors decide how they wish to express their sympathy. Flowers can be passed along to a church or hospital where a larger number of people can benefit from them. Donations to the charity of your choice as well as kind thoughts and prayers are always acceptable.

--Morgan Schimminger
mschimminger@safnow.org

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