Leon Shankle was born on December 20, 1930, to the late Pate and Zelma Shankle in the Shankleville Community of Newton County, Texas.

He attended school in Newton County and pursued his secondary education in welding. After completing school, Leon entered the workforce in 1950 and was employed with Peden Iron and Steel. He continued his employment for two years until he entered the United States Army in 1952. Leon served his country proudly for two years. After returning from the Army, he began his career at Itel Containers in 1960 and continued working there until his retirement in 2000.

Leon was married to Marie Arceneaux Shankle for 71 blessed years. Leon enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, and traveling. He especially enjoyed traveling on his motorcycle from state to state with his wife and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pate H. Shankle and Zelma Shankle; son, Nat Arceneaux, Sr.; stepmother, Lu Ella Shankle; sisters, Zela Mae Glenn, Lela Spikes; and brothers, Willie Pate Shankle and Sanders Adams.

Leon leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Marie Shankle; children, James Arceneaux (Carla), Elizabeth Shankle, Cheryl Jackson, Karen Randle (Dana), and James Morris; daughters-in-love, Earnestine Adams, JoAnn Bean, and Sharon Spikes; sons-in-love, Jessie Adams, James Bean, and Timothy Spikes; brother, Curtis Adams (Cheryl); sisters, Claudia Tones and Lillie White; sister-in-law, Johnnie Lee Adams; and a host of grandchildren that truly loved him, other relatives, and friends.