Leo L. Shank

Leo L. Shank, age 97 of Frederick, MD died on June 17, 2025 at Somerford House Assisted Living. He was the devoted husband of Doris Crawford Shank for 68 years. They were married on November 18, 1956.

Leo was born October 23, 1927 in Liberty Township (Adams Co.), PA, the son of the late Wilmer O. Shank and Edna Baxter Shank of Thurmont, MD.

He attended elementary through high school in Pennsylvania graduating from Washington Township High School, Class of 1946, then enlisted in the United States Army during World War II serving in Korea from 1946-1948. After the military, he attended Grove City (PA) College and later transferred and graduated from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. After graduation, he moved to Thurmont, MD and worked for a brief time as a sale representative for WFMD radio. He later entered the Maryland State Police Academy in Pikesville where he graduated at the top of his class and was stationed at Barricks ”B” in Frederick.

In 1960, he left the State Police and, with his partners Howard Fisher and John Staub, established Frederick’s second radio station, WMHI (Musical Heights, Inc.). Though the station began as an AM station (1370 kHz, which later became known as 14ZYQ); an FM frequency was added (103.9 MHz) and the call letters eventually changed to WZYQ (Z-104) playing pop favorites. John Staub sold his share of the station to his two partners and those two remained partners for 35 years until the station was sold in 1996. Leo served as the President and CEO of the corporation.

In 1975, the radio station received a call from a local family that needed help for the Christmas holidays and one of the employees began an on-air campaign to obtain toys for the kids. This began a tradition each holiday season known as “Christmas Cash for Kids” which raised thousands of dollars for the Salvation Army and, after the station was sold, was picked up by local station WFMD and continues to be held each holiday. Leo was also a founder and co-owner of WKEG radio in Washington, PA.

Leo was a devoted member of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, a former member of the Lions Club, Catoctin Club and the Catoctones Barbershop group. He was also a member of American Legion - Francis Scott Key, Post #11.

Over the years he enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife, children and grandchildren which included trips across the United States and many cruises with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, Randall L. Shank (Beth), and Ricke O. Shank (Teresa). Grandchildren Jacob M. Shank, Ashley LaGasse (Grant), Jennifer Whipp (Joe), and Stephanie

Honaker (Kenny); great-grandchildren Laimarie (Laila) Shank, Madeline Shank, and Eziekiel Shank; Caroline and Kate LaGasse, Kal and Korie Jo Honaker, and Reid and Brooks Whipp. Also step-granddaughters Brittany Ecker (Justin) and Alyssa Orsette (Jacob); six step-great grandchildren, godchild and devoted caregiver Michelle Arthur and ex-daughter-in-law Kimber Shank.

Leo was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers; Weldon, Odell, Roscoe, and twin brother Cleo.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stauffer Funeral Home 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick.

The family would like to thank the staff of Frederick Health Hospice and Somerford House Assisted Living for making Leo’s last several months and weeks as comfortable as possible. In lieu of flowers, please make a tax-deductible monetary donation to Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21701 or WFMD/WFRE Christmas Cash for Kids, 5966 Grove Hill Road, Frederick, MD 21703, in memory of Leo L. Shank.