William Henry Shank III (Buzz) passed away on May 3, 2020 at The Shook Home,
Chambersburg. He was 85.
Buzz is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Shank (Peggy), the love of his life. Their love and
friendship was evident to all who knew them and as the winds blow along the trees by the James
River in Williamsburg, Virginia, their love will surely live on in this place they visited to dream
and refresh.
A graduate of Chambersburg schools and Gettysburg College, Buzz entered the United States
Air Force after college and served in Germany for 3 years. He was a recipient of the bronze
medal by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in recognition of
outstanding service to all people regardless of race or faith.
A true Chambersburg boy, he loved to tell stories about his childhood. The West End fields
where he played endless games as a youth became the site of the home where he raised his
family. He was outgoing and well liked, evidenced by his peers selecting him as president of his
class and the glee club, even though he had trouble carrying a tune. He loved the game of
basketball, playing both in high school and the Air Force, and loved watching his Tar Heels.
Buzz started his career with the United Telephone Company and moved onto other endeavors
such as real estate and owning a restaurant before settling into the job he loved most,
Chambersburg Tax Collector. Countless are the stories of visitors who loved to stop and visit
Buzz.
A member of First United Methodist Church for over 40 years, Buzz faithfully served as a
Sunday School teacher and particularly loved serving as head usher. An active member of his
community, Buzz served as the chairman of the Franklin County Industrial Development
Authority, board member of South Mountain Restoration Center, elected member of Republican
State Committee, and a 50 year member of the George Washington Lodge 143. A lifelong
interest in the Civil War culminated in his authorship of a book about General Meade, “Yes, I
Was There.”
What mattered most was family. Buzz adored being a husband, father and Paw Paw. In addition
to his wife, Buzz is survived by his daughter, Mary Beth Shank (husband John McPaul), son
Kevin Tanger (wife Amy) and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents,
William and Rosemary Shank and his son, David Tanger.
A private family service will be held with inurnment in the Norland Cemetery Mausoleum. A
celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the
Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg. Condolences may be shared on his page at
geiselfuneralhome.com.
COVID-19 is very real to families who have lost a loved one. The family wishes to thank the
Shook Home for their loving care of our husband and father during these unprecedented times.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 225 S. Second
Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or to the Resident Fund or Employee Retention Fund c/o The
Shook Home, 55 S. Second Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201, which brings joy to residents and
those who care for them.