Hugh R. Shankey

November 12, 2022

OCEANSIDE, CA — Sergeant Major Hugh R. Shankey passed away on November 12, 2022 at his home in Oceanside, CA. Sgt Major Shankey was a decorated veteran serving thirty years in the Marine Corps. He served three combat tours in Vietnam where he was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart for his acts of heroism in battle, as well as a Single Mission Air Medal. He was born in Suffern, New York and after attending Riverside Military academy joined the Marine Corps where he served his country and traveled the world. He taught avionics and was a crew chief gunner as part of the air wing. During his service, Sgt Major Shankey was proud to be given responsibility for two regiments including

Sgt Major of the 4th Marines and Sgt Major of the 5th Marines where he retired from Camp Pendleton. He was very proud of the honor to manage two regiments during his service.

After his lifelong career as a Marine, Hugh went on to spend 15 years at the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant where he was a security guard for Southern California Edison. Those who knew Hugh will always remember him as a loyal and true friend that loved a good laugh. Hugh was also a lover of animals and after losing two of his own beloved dogs made a point to support the Humane Society in Oceanside and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah.

Hugh is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Shankey-Huse, son-in-law Mel Huse, grandchildren Caitlin and Brandon Huse of Gualala, CA. He is also survived by his son Callen Shankey and daughterin-law Carleen Shankey of Havasu City, AZ and his sister Vicki Ouellette of Bridgewater, Mass. He is also survived by extended family Deanna Young of Central Point Oregon,

Glenn and Sandra Walker (Brother/Sister in-laws) of Central Point, OR and George and Deborah Young (Brother/Sister in-laws) of Forestville, CA. He was preceded in death by his sister Sondra Ewell. He also leaves behind many wonderful extended family, friends and neighbors.

Services will be held on January 11 , 2023 at 10:30am at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic church in San Diego with military honors ceremony to follow at Miramar National Cemetery at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the San Diego Humane Society in Oceanside in Hugh’s honor.