Sunday, May 17, 2020

Mayor Jeff Shockley

 
Jeff Wayne Shockley, 64, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Jeff was born March 15, 1956 in Ysleta, TX to Melvin & Betty (Nichols) Shockley who preceded him in death.  Jeff was a true leader with a strong spirit and a drive for success of the State, City, and County.  Everyone that worked with Jeff became a friend.  He was a mentor to new Mayors all across the State.  Jeff was a team player and could bring people together.  He was elected to Poteau City Council in 1993 serving his ward until elected Mayor in 1999.  Jeff served on numerous boards locally and across the state serving many as board of director or chairman.  These include Past Chair and Board of Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League, Past Chair and Board Member of Oklahoma Southeast, Past Chair of Kiamichi Economic Development, Mayors
Council Oklahoma Board of Directors, Southeast Oklahoma Water Advisory Board, Past Chair and Board Member of the Fort Smith Regional Alliance, Board Member of the LeFlore County Development Coalition, Past Board Member Poteau Chamber of Commerce, Founder of Poteau’s July 4th Event Celebrate America, Community Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners. 
          Jeff was voted 2006 Oklahoma’s Large City Mayor of the Year, Poteau Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year 2007 and 2012, and Poteau Chamber’s Stewardship Award 1999.  While in office, Jeff oversaw the renovation of City Hall and the completion of the Cavanal Expressway.     Other milestones that were  achieved during Jeff’s administration were: a new Police Station, Fire Department, The Donald W. Reynolds Center, Patrick Lynch Library, new ballfields at PARC, Soccer Fields, The Skate Park on Broadway, new sidewalks on Broadway and Dewey, Welcome to Poteau signs, Stop Signs on Dewey and the Poteau Bull Project.  Jeff was very instrumental in growing in Poteau’s signature Poteau Balloonfest.   In September 2019, Jeff was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials.  He was inducted as Carl Albert State College Distinguished Alumni in 2019.
          Survivors include his wife Connie of the home; daughter & son in law, Brooke & Paul Mason of Seguin, TX; sons & daughters in law, Tyler & Sidni Shockley of Tahlequah, Taylor & Taylor Shockley of Poteau; 5 grandchildren, Joel, Jenna & Liam Mason, Treven & Holden Shockley; brother & sister in law, Monte Shockley Sr. & Rita of Poteau; sister & brother in law, Mary & David Peevy of Alma, AR; father in law & mother in law,  Ike & Barbara Caudell of Poteau; brother in law & sister in law, Ikie & Kathy Caudell of Wister; nephew, Monte Shockley Jr, & spouse Ashley of Poteau; niece, Sarah Adcock & spouse Levy of Claremore; uncle & aunt, Kenny & Grace Nichols of Clint, TX; other relatives, loved ones and friends.
          Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday May 20, 2020 at the Donald W. Reynolds Center, Poteau with Rev. Gary Vancil and Jason Lloyd officiating.  Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Jay Sommers, Jon Pickel, Kevin Adams, Billy Cripps, Stephen Fruen & Greg Russell.  Honorary pallbearers will be Marc Bovos, Marty Wages, Ted Sheets, Clay Bennett, Scott Bradshaw & Scotty White.
          In lieu of flowers please make donations to your choice of Poteau Area Projects – Chamber of Commerce, PARC or any of the projects so near and dear to Jeff’s heart.  You can donate to City Hall and specify project if you would like.
          The Donald W. Reynolds Center will be open at 9 am, Wednesday for friends to view until service time if you choose – since the social distancing thing is still so important.        

9 comments:

Kathleen Stephens said...

Mayor Shockley was such a successful businessman man for our community. It is sad that he passed away so young, only God knows what other successes Mayor Shockley might have achieved. Praying for his family and friends.

Sandy & Gary Gray said...

So sorry, Connie. Jeff was such a friendly, wonderful guy. He will sure be missed. Bet Ed Adams is giving him the tour of Heaven!

Kathy Hendrick said...

I met Jeff through OK SE. He never met a stranger. I am so sorry for this sudden loss to your family. I am just in shock as you all are. He did so much for Poteau, SE OK, and Oklahoma in general. He truly wanted to leave it a better place and he did. I know you all are proud of him and his accomplishments. He was a part of the area. I fortunate to have known him. Prayers to all if you and strength I. The coming days. God Bkess you all. Kathy Hendrick

Wyoming said...

We were really sad to hear about Jeff's passing away from our son, David, who resides in Poteau. We live in Wyoming but back in 2018 Jeff was kind enough to assist us with the presentation of a Quilt of Valor that our son was receiving by allowing the presentation in a community room location. We are really sorry and send thoughts and prayers to all.

Unknown said...

Connie and family my heart breaks for you. It's so awful having someone taken from you so suddenly. I will pray that God brings you peace through this very hard time.

If you need anything at all please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

I love you
Ina

Jody Webb said...

To Connie, the kids and the family. So sorry for your loss. Jeff was always a good man and truly cared about his family and the City of Poteau. Way to young. Prayers of strength for the family and friends.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear about your passing away.

Unknown said...

My life is better for knowing Jeff. Jeff will be missed for sure, as he was a unique person, smart, compassionate, hard working but humble, with a never ending sense of humor. He was a good man and by example a good husband, father and friend. May true peace that only comes from our Lord be with you Connie and your family as he goes to be with our Lord Jesus.

Bill Bryant
Henderson, Texas

Unknown said...

May you simply be blessed and may healing,comfort and peace find there way into your hearts...