Obituary of Steven Robert Shank

Steven Robert Shank of Davenport, Florida, passed away on Sunday, January 21st, 2024, at the age of 34 at Celebration Hospital in Florida. Steven was born on July 7th, 1989, in Dayton, Ohio, to Steven M. Shank & Lisa G. Shank. Steven spent his childhood years in Englewood, Ohio, until we relocated to Panama City, Florida, in 1998. Steven attended primary school in Panama City, Florida, and graduated from A.D. Harris in 2007. He relocated to Orlando, Florida, in 2014 and studied Music Production at Scratch DJ Academy. He resided in Davenport, Florida, with his girlfriend Shanai Hawes and their puppy Opal.

Steven, who lovingly referred to himself and is known by his family and friends as Scooba, lived in Florida for much of his life. Steven worked in the restaurant industry for many years. He loved to cook for himself, his girlfriend, and others. He was very talented at making his own recipes. He was employed at Ruth Chris for several years, making different gourmet dishes and learning the tricks of the trade. Steven enjoyed hanging out with his brothers and sister, helping his brother-in-law with his RV business, cooking for his family, hanging out with his friends, and making new friends along the way. Steven was a stranger to no one and found great purpose in sharing the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him. Steven was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life. He loved his family and his friends unconditionally. His nieces and nephews meant the absolute world to him. They were literally like his very own children. Steven was an incredible Uncle to his nieces and nephews and embraced the name Uncle Scooba like a badge of honor.

Steven was known to be the life of the party. He loved the beach, golfing, surfing, playing pool, music, bowling, fishing, and having a good time. The most important things to him were his family, his girlfriend, his friends, God, and Opal. He had the biggest heart and would go above and beyond for the people he loved and cared about. Steven was a giving, caring, and selfless soul. He would do anything for anyone, never hesitating to help people out. He was known for his friendliness and never hesitated to let people know that he loved them. Anyone who knew Steven was touched by his kindness, compassion, humor, and mild temperament. He was truly a peacemaker and was always a source of positivity. He always saw the good in others.

Steven was a devoted son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, boyfriend, nephew, cousin, and friend. Everyone Steven knew will greatly cherish his impact on their lives, either through love, friendship, mentorship, or his humor. Steven was a beautiful person inside and out. His smile was so stunning it would light up the whole room. His eyes were captivatingly beautiful and could light up the entire galaxy. He loved and cared so deeply for his family and the people around him. He was so kind, caring, and passionate. He made an impact on many, many lives. He will be forever missed but never forgotten. Until we meet again and always in our hearts.

Steven was preceded in death by his father, Steven M. Shank and his maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his parents Alan & Lisa Klaus, his siblings Aaron M. Shank, John B. Shank (Jessica Shank), and Daja N. Swain (John Swain). His nieces and nephews, Olivia Shank, Avalyn Shank, Aaron Shank Jr. (A.J.), Jocelynn Shank, Laila Shank, Luke Shank, Levi Shank, Lilian Swain, Brantley Swain, & Leland Swain. As well as his girlfriend Shanai Hawes, many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, mentors, and coworkers he touched during his life, who loved him dearly and helped him become the person he was.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center at 8298 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida 32940. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories.

The family would like to thank the Advent Hospital teams for their compassionate care during Steven's short stay. We would also like to thank all of our family and friends for their love, support, and prayers.

Celebrate My Life

Remember me with love and joy, let gratitude fill your heart. Thankful for the time we had, gone, yet not apart. If we measure life in moments, not in months or years, I lived a hundred lifetimes, loved by all who hold me dear. I hope you’ll find your smile, and generously speak my name, share stories and my heart, your love for life unchanged. And think of me as living, in the hearts of those I touched, for nothing loved, is ever lost, and I was loved so much. Celebrate the life I lived, I will be watching from above, I am always with you, sending you my light and love.