Kelly Sue Shanklin Drapeau was born December 17, 1957, in Houston, Texas, the fifth child of Robert L. and Shirley K. Shanklin. In 1963, she moved with her parents to Lawton, Oklahoma, where she would spend most of her life.
Kelly completed her education in Lawton and graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1976. She lived a full and busy life, working alongside her father in managing R.L. Shanklin Properties as well as building a 15-year career with State Beauty Supply, where she formed lasting friendships and touched the lives of many colleagues and customers.
On May 23, 2017, Kelly married Francis Drapeau, with whom she shared love, companionship, and many treasured moments.
After a long and courageous battle with a lifelong illness, Lupus, and repeated bouts of lung cancer, Kelly passed away on August 14, 2025, surrounded by family and friends who loved her deeply. She was beautiful inside and out, with a precious fighting spirit and a positive outlook on life that inspired everyone around her. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering optimism will be forever remembered by all who knew her.
Kelly is survived by her husband, Francis Drapeau; her stepdaughter, Kayla Beier (Derek); her beloved grandchildren, Brodie and Bellamy; and her siblings, Pam Shanklin Miller (Gary), Mikel Shanklin Ford (Mark), Cindy Shanklin Fink (John), Bobby Shanklin (Jean), and Robert Shanklin (Connie). She also leaves behind her two cherished fur babies, Clancey and Blake; and many nieces and nephews, including John Stuever, Justin Stuever, Sarah Smith, Bradley Morris, Jennifer Davis, Rebecca Wigington, Kris Shanklin, Jason Shanklin, and Brandon Shanklin, as well as 17 great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. Shanklin and Shirley K. Pyle.
A memorial service will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church, 7th and D, Lawton, Oklahoma, on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Family visitation will follow the service in the Activity Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.