Obituary of Willis Glenn Shattuck

DeKalb Junction-

Willis G. Shattuck Obituary Willis was born June 7, 1947 to Arthur and Laura (Jeffers) Shattuck. He attended Hermon-DeKalb Central School, graduating in 1965. Furthering his education, he graduated from SUNY Potsdam in 1969, receiving his bachelor’s degree in education. He taught school in Elkland, PA and then moved to Central NY for a job at APW. He changed careers and worked at Carpenter’s Hardware in Camden.

In the late 70’s, Willis returned to the family farm, a mile outside the village of DeKalb Junction, where his family had lived since 1898. He raised Angus beef cattle and worked in carpentry, building family homes, log homes, garages, etc..

In the 1980’s, Willis attended the Missouri Auction School, fulfilling his lifelong passion of becoming an auctioneer. This led to establishment of the Willis Shattuck Auction Service with the tagline, “the sound that sells”. He was in the auction business for 35 years, specializing in estate auctions, cattle auctions, farm machinery and household auctions. Through the years, he also held benefit auctions for numerous entities including the Boy Scouts of America, Jefferson Community College, the Northern New York Cerebral Palsy Association, as well as local charities and non-profit organizations.

Willis enjoyed sports (especially hockey), various kinds of music, and had a special interest in history with an uncanny memory for names, dates, and details. He was known as a storyteller and over many years, developed his own brand of “spinning a yarn”. He used his stories to add interest and entertainment to his auctions. If a story wasn’t exactly true, he might give himself away with the twinkle in his eye, his whimsical smile and a twitch of his handlebar mustache.

His auction business brought him in touch with many people in Northern and Central NY and each auction had a family and a family’s story behind it. He enjoyed working with people and did his best to help their situation. He liked nothing better than a good visit and there was no better place to do just that than meeting great friends at the Silver Leaf. In conversations, his teaching background often showed through as he shared his knowledge, practical advice and stories with others. He has touched a great many lives.

Willis is survived by his best friend and companion, Donna Russell. They worked as a team in the auction business and in Life. Willis and Donna have a blended family. Often blood relations aren't as important as the establishment of strong family bonds. Willis is survived by a son, Brent (Jennifer Cougler) Eggleston and a daughter, Kristen (Steve) Sanderson as well as the five wonderful people who call him “Grandpa”; Brandon and Brody Eggleston, Abbi, Emma, and Brayden Sanderson. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy (Ron) Aten, nephew Cory (Krysta) Aten and their daughter, Kaylin, and nephew Cole (Courtney) Aten. He is predeceased by his parents and a son, Joey Russell.

Surely this man will be missed and will live in our hearts forever. We will see him as we look across the fields at the farm and certainly when we hear an auctioneer’s call. Rest in peace, Willis!

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 21 Park Street, Canton.  Additional off-street parking is available behind “LUNA” at 18 Park Street. 

His funeral will begin at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 11 at the funeral home with Lay Pastor John Frary officiating.  Burial will follow in Hermon Cemetery.

A memorial gathering will take place after the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department.

Memorial contributions may be made to DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department, 4323 US-11, DeKalb Junction, NY 13630 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.lawrencfuneralhome.org