Leonard E. Shockley

On Saturday, November 19, 2022, Leonard “Deacon” Shockley passed away at age 87 in St. Helen’s, Oregon. Leonard was born on January 13, 1935 in Belle, Missouri to John and Veta Shockley.

Leonard served his country in the United States 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. Then 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.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Linda Shockley. He is also survived by two children, Michael Shockley of St. Helen’s Oregon and Kelley Shockley of Neosho, Missouri; ten grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; four bonus grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia Wooley and Verlee (Marvin) Backues both of Belle, Missouri; and one brother, Jerry Shockley of Belle, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Veta Shockley; a special friend, Rosemary Prenger; a grandson, Justin Houk; and a granddaughter, Michaela Houk.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 10:00 am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at the Faith Baptist Church in Belle, Missouri.