Springfield attorney Shunk dies at 57

Springfield attorney Kenneth Shunk died of liver cancer July 16 at Cox South. He was 57.

Shunk owned a private practice specializing in criminal law at 943 Boonville Ave., said Angel Berry, his legal assistant. Berry, the only other employee, said the practice would be closing.

Berry said the quick onset of Shunk's death made it difficult to talk about.

"It was sudden," she said. "He was a very good criminal lawyer and loved by many people."

One such person is Jason Umbarger, another Springfield solo attorney, who said he has known Shunk for years, first meeting when they were both public defenders.

"We are all really saddened by his passing," Umbarger said. "He was one of the most kind, compassionate lawyers in our community."

Shunk practiced law in his hometown of Springfield, as well as Poplar Bluff and Dallas. He was admitted to the Missouri Bar Association in 1978 and was also a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, according to a news release from SMBA.

Shunk was born in Springfield in 1953, graduated from Parkview High School in 1971 and from Missouri State University in 1975, and received his juris doctor from the University of Missouri in 1978, according to an obituary online at Greenlawn Funeral Homes.

Shunk was preceded in death by his father, Willard. He is survived by his wife Becky; his daughter Autumn Albert and her husband Bobby; his two grandchildren, Cameron and Kendra; his mother Mildred; his sister Sally Riley and her husband John; two nephews, Brandon and Travis, and Travis' wife Cara.

A memorial visitation is scheduled 5-7 p.m. today at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, 3506 N. National Ave. A private funeral will be held at a later date, according to the obituary.[[In-content Ad]]