Rev. Gary L. Shonkwiler, 76, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday morning, August 17, 2022, in his home with a host of family with him. Born on September 27, 1945, in Portsmouth, he was a son of the late Clyde E. and Edna Moore Shonkwiler.
Also preceding his death were a brother and sister-in-law, Curt and Jenny Shonkwiler.
A 1963 graduate of Portsmouth High School, he attended Ambassador Bible Institute and Shawnee State.
Gary proudly served in the U.S. Navy and reserves during the Viet Nam War, serving on the U.S.S. Snowdon DE-246.
He was a minister and pastor for 58 years with the International Pentecostal Church of Christ organization, beginning as a youth pastor in Springfield and then went on to pastor in other churches in the I.P.C.C. of Greenfield, Mead, Denver, and Huntington, WV. Gary remained pastor of the Sixth Street I.P.C.C. in Portsmouth from 1977 to April of 2018. After stepping down from full time pastor, he remained as assistant pastor until the time of his death. During his ministry, he had a nursing home ministry and sang with the Happy Times Crusaders.
Surviving are his wife, Brenda Kennard Shonkwiler, whom he married on June 26, 1964; two daughters, Kimberly (Bob) Collins and Natalie (Chuck) Shigley; two sons, Timothy (Wendy Steele) Shonkwiler and Michael (Karleen Cartee) Shonkwiler; a grandson whom he raised, Kyle (Stephanie) Shonkwiler; a brother, David (Linda) Shonkwiler; nine grandchildren, Victoria, Shavaughn (Paul), Rick, Kimmie (Dusty), Samantha (Chris), Tyler (Jordan), C.J., Cheyenne and Ean; twelve great-grandchildren and a new great-grandson expected in December, including numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. And not to forget his church friends, whom he considered as family.
Any opportunity Gary had, he would witness about God’s love and saving grace, wanting everyone to come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. Hebrews 12:1-5 were his favorite scriptures, along with his favorite song, “When We All Get to Heaven.”
A Celebration of Gary’s Homecoming will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the BRANT FUNERAL HOME IN SCIOTOVILLE with Larry Blevins, Shannon Truelove and Clyde Hughes officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive guests at BRANT’S from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday.
Memorial gifts may be made to Sixth Street I.P.C.C. or SOMC Hospice.