From Humble Beginnings  The first-born son of Ken and Doris Shake, pictured here, I was born on August 18th,1944, in a small copper mining town called Ray, Arizona. My father was, at the time, on active duty with the Army Air Corps in New Caledonia, and my mother was residing with his parents. Upon his discharge from the AAF, my Dad moved our family to Prescott, Ariz, known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and the home of the world's first organized rodeo. I grew up steeped in Western lore and Country Music!! I lived in the place most folks only read about in the western novels or see in the movies. A magical beginning. I have one sister, in California, and three brothers, one in Ohio, and two in Idaho. My musical talent was inherited from both my parents. My father was a talented pianist and my mother had a beautiful voice and love of singing. How could a guy go wrong?  After graduation from Prescott High School, I attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, Az for two years. I decided that working my way through college was too tough, I quit school and got a job. I worked in several occupations ranging from the US Forest Service to a Doodlebugging crew in seismic oil exploration until I got my notice to appear for the draft. In 1965 the country was really building up for the Vietnam War. In Sept,1965 I enlisted in the US Air Force, beginning a very satisfying career that would last 30+ years and allow me to travel worldwide and experience cultures that many of you may never see. I retired from the AF in Oct of 1995 and now am employed as a civil servant in telecommunications.  I am married to a beautiful redhead named Debi and our home includes her son Justin, a college student, who is a budding musician as well. We reside in the small farm town of Lebanon, Illinois, about 30 miles across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri.  I I have two children from a previous marriage. I am very proud of Adam and Keri. Adam and his wife, Nicole, live in Normal, IL. Keri, who is a certified athletic trainer, is married to a Lieutenant in the US Marine Corp and is a stay at home mom for my grandson Connor and granddaughter, Lily. Hobbies? I enjoy several activities. Hunting, fishing, and the shooting sports are a favorite of mine. I enjoy golf and racquetball. I also enjoy riding my new Goldwing. So, at the age of 65, I am having a ball!! Life is good!! | |
