George B. Shook

George Shook, beloved husband to Ellen G. Shook, father to Jeffrey G. Shook, Angel Ortega-Martinez, Amy Lynn Shook, Philip B. Shook (deceased) and grandfather to Faith Lynne Shook and Angel Ortega-Gonzales, passed away after a sudden illness August 18, 2023. George’s Brother Robert Shook predeceased him. Born in Cleveland, Ohio to Robert Leonard and Helen Urban Shook, he attended East High School in Cleveland, Fullerton Jr. College, California and then Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, Ohio where he would graduate with a degree in Marketing. George was a veteran of the Viet Nam war, attaining the rank of Sergeant and several honors including the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, and the Viet Nam Campaign Medal. 

Following the war, George would attend the WIXY School of Broadcasting in hope of a radio career but would eventually find his way to the Union Carbide Corporation first working with the Glad Bag division and eventually battery products.  Union Carbide would eventually sell the battery products division and it would later be spun off into the Energizer Battery Company. After more than 30 years of distinguished employment he would retire as a Sr. Packaging and Labeling Engineer.  Following a very brief retirement, he would be called by Schwak Inc., an Energizer vendor, to be their Onsite Services Manager before finally retiring for good. 

George was passionate about many things. In Cleveland Heights, he served as a member of the Heights Community Congress, working to make the city a better place.  He also served as a board member of the Adoption Network.  As an adoptive father, it was important for him to work to ensure kids had loving and nurturing homes.  In addition, he was a supporter of St. Jude’s Hospital and the Viet Nam Veterans of America.  George also served on the vestry of the former Emmanuel Episcopal Church and was both a Sunday school teacher and member of the Men’s Council at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Cleveland Heights.  With a passion for singing, George was, for a time, a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and the Singers Club of Cleveland. Later in life, together with his wife Ellen, they would learn to Country Dance and made several trips to Nashville to dance with their country music friends.  But maybe most meaningful of all was the time he got to spend helping to raise his granddaughter, Faith.  They would enjoy long talks and he was one of her biggest cheerleaders. George attended every soccer, softball, or hockey game, play or concert he possibly could and encourage her to follow her dreams.   

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in memory of George to the Adoption Network of Cleveland, 12200 Fairhill Rd. Floor A3, Cleveland Ohio 44120, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, the Viet Nam Veterans of America at 8719 Colesville Rd. Suite 100 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Nelson Musical Fund) at 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106, Saturday, September 23rd at 11 am. The service may be viewed live online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Vm_Dd1QaQI.

George was a cherished and loved husband, father, and a loyal and caring friend. He was held in high regard by many and is passing diminishes us all.  George was kind and generous of spirit and his joyful nature touched everyone around him. He will be greatly missed.