Celebration of the Century

Honoring Rev. Wallace “Wally” Shook
By Linda Elissalde
Dr. Wallace (Wally) Thomas Shook, Jr turned 100 on September 23, 2025. Wally may be 100, but he is still young in heart and spirit. On Saturday, September 20, he interfaced with more than 100 admirers who came to share in this most auspicious occasion. Everyone wanted to visit and share a photo-op with such a distinguished gentleman who has served the United Methodist Church as teacher, pastor and Texas Annual Conference in numerous leadership roles. He helped Bay Vue Methodist Church on many occasions when the family had a beach house. Family, members of his Sunday School Class, friends and parishioners from past church assignments were in attendance. His deep faith, kindness and humor have served him well since he answered the call that he had not really wanted for his future.

“I planned on a career in finance even though I did not like it. I just didn’t think that I could be a preacher.” Then one day I opened my Bible to Philippians 4:13 – ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. I never looked back.” Wallace and late wife Jane Lawrence Shook shared 73 years of a wonderful marriage. Children included 4 daughters Debra Ann, Martha Jane, Rachel Elaine, Lydia Lynn and one son Wallace Russell (Rusty). They lost Rusty at age 14 after a two and a half years battle with cancer. His daughters along with husbands, children, grandchildren and “bonus” grandchildren produced a magnificent event. Son-in-law Warren Briggs served as outstanding Master of Ceremonies. A most unique gift was the arrival of grandson Austin Reyna who flew from Beijing, China to celebrate with his grandfather.

Dr. Shook discovered that he was kin to Daniel Boone and was inducted into Sons of American Revolution who honored him. First Methodist Conroe Senior Minister Dr. John Wayne McMann delivered the invocation. Becky Nichols, representing Beaumont, Texas, and Montgomery County Judge Hon. Mark Keough read resolutions honoring Dr. Shook. Guests’ Reflections followed. Of course the final words came from that famous centenarian himself. Candles, cake cutting and a rousing “Happy Birthday” closed the ceremonial part. Everyone enjoyed cake and visiting while Wally graciously spent time with his numerous admirers. Warren Briggs closed the gathering by expressing gratitude to everyone who helped celebrate with 100 year old Reverend Dr. Wallace “Wally” Shook celebrating his CELEBRATION OF THE CENTURY!

PS: Enjoy former Conroe First Methodist Pastor Dr. Daniel Irving’s interview with Dr. Wallace Shook at “Church Folk in Cafe Getting Coffee”on YouTube.

Linda

I was born on February 14, 1941 into a family of writers. Schmuckers took pen in hand for thank you notes, news articles, lessons, plays, poetry, birthdays, eulogies, etc. Aquarius prediction in my diary stated, “Has some writing abilities, but too superficial to be important”. Thanks to all who accept my compositions anyway. I come from a family of writers.

See Full Bio