Harry Lon Shake, 96, of Sandborn, Indiana passed away on April 15, 2026 at home. He was born September 14, 1929, in Sandborn, Indiana, to Sherman and Viola (Watt) Shake.

Harry was a graduate of Marco High School, Class of 1947. On December 20, 1955, he married the love of his life, Helen Ann Powell, beginning a devoted partnership that has spanned more than 71 years.

He served his country honorably in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War. A man of deep faith and community, Harry was a longtime member of Sandborn United Methodist Church. He was also a dedicated Free Mason, a fraternal brother of the Elnora Lodge #616 F & AM, and was recently honored with his 75-year pin—an extraordinary testament to his lifelong commitment.

Harry was a lifelong farmer, a calling he embraced with pride and dedication. In addition to farming, he worked at Peabody Hawthorn Mine and later retired after 25 years from the Minnehaha/Amax Coal Mine. He was a member of the UMWA. He cherished simple pleasures, especially spending mornings at Southside Express sharing stories and passing time with his friends.

He was deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in an Honor Flight, escorted by his son-in-law, Keith — an experience he held with great pride and honor.

Harry had a passion for basketball and believed every boy should have the chance to play. He also firmly believed that everyone should own a piece of land — values that reflected his appreciation for hard work, opportunity, and independence.

Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Helen; their three daughters, Jan (Brad) Ellis and Jill (Ed Hensley) Bailey, both of Linton, Indiana, and Loura (Keith) Berlen of Mooresville, Indiana. Six grandchildren, Shana (Byron) Goodman, Brandon (Kambri) Ellis, Zachary (Abigail) Bailey, Madison (Sam) Reuter, Ellery Berlen, and Spencer (Shyiel) Berlen. Eleven great grandchildren – Reuben and Aniston Goodman, Knox, Sawyer, and Elam Ellis, Lenore and Gabriel Bailey, Theo and Harry Reuter, and Ezra and Iris Berlen. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews along with grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. His brothers-in-law, William Powell of Wheatland, Indiana, and John (Becky) Powell of Peru, Indiana, and his favorite cousin, June Gregg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Viola Shake; and his siblings, Doyle Shake, Bert Shake, Ruth (Shake) O’Dell, and Helene (Shake) Davidson.

The family extends special thanks to his caregivers and Southern Care Hospice for their devoted care support over the past four and a half years. They also wish to express their gratitude to their extended family, Roger, Cleta, Casey, and Lucas for their invaluable help on the farm.

Graveside services to honor the life of Harry will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Sandborn Cemetery. Family and friends may gather from 10:00 AM ~ 11:00 AM at the cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made through Sandborn Community Meals C/O Kay Hartsburg, or Sandborn Volunteer Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Homes, Anderson-Poindexter Chapel in Linton. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family online at www.andersonpoindexter.com.