A Celebration of Life for Anzel E. Shoults, Age 94 formerly of Shannon County, Missouri will be held on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at The West County Assembly of God, Town and Country, Missouri, beginning at 11:00 AM.
Anzel E. Shoults went home to see Jesus on January 27, 2026 at the age of 94.
He was born on December 7, 1931, to Reverend Joe V. Shoults and Edith (Young) Shoults in Shannon County, MO. He spent most of his school years in St. Clair, MO, where he was involved in church (playing mandolin, trombone, piano, and arranging musical compositions), basketball (and anything with a ball), music, and art. During high school, he began his early years of ministry, traveling with his brother Manuel. After graduating from St. Clair High School, he pursued a degree from North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, MN, where he met his beautiful bride, Donna Olson. They were married on June 15, 1952.
Anzel graduated from North Central Bible College in 1953 and continued his education at MacPhail School of Music. He went on to teach music at Southwestern Bible College in Waxahachie, TX, including directing the Harvester Choir. He also taught at Evangel University in Springfield, MO. He served as Minister of Music at churches in Battle Creek, MI, Sikeston, MO, St. Louis, MO, and Covina, CA. Anzel’s ministry reached beyond the typical. One example is that while serving at Southside Assembly of God and Oak Grove Assembly, he started church fastpitch softball leagues. He was an accomplished pitcher and enjoyed sharing Christ while on the ball diamond. Another unique ministry was helping others enjoy music by providing beginning orchestra lessons to children and adults in the church. Sunday evening offertory was played by the orchestra.
In 1973, he assumed the pastorate of his father’s pioneer work at Oak Grove Assembly of God in Oak Grove, MO. He also pastored in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, before coming to West St. Louis County in 1980, to pioneer Clayton Road Assembly of God.
Anzel and Donna moved near Montauk State Park in 1993. It is here that they acquired a farm and enjoyed raising cattle. In 1996, they began serving as the pastors at Licking Assembly of God, in Licking, MO. Retirement in 2006 concluded his 60 years of full-time ministry.
In more recent years, Anzel enjoyed painting, sculpting, fishing, hunting, competing in the St. Louis Senior Olympics, and spending time with his family. He never lost his competitive or creative spirit.
Anzel Shoults is survived by his children, Rana Maracle, Donzel (Sheila) Shoults, and Danica (Gary) Gargus, as well as by his grandchildren, Brent Joe, Bryan, Brooke, Jennifer, David, Adam, Lindsey, Rebekah, Heather, and Brandon, as well as 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Norma Lee (Owen) Carr.
Awaiting his arrival in heaven were his wife, Donna Shoults, his parents, Joe and Edith Shoults, his brother, Manuel Shoults, his son-in-law, John Maracle, and many other family and friends.
He devoted his life to serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was his greatest desire to one day be joined by all of his family and friends in heaven. Even in his final days, he was encouraging everyone in his path to make the life-changing, eternal decision to follow Jesus.
His body has been laid to rest at the North Lawn Cemetery in Salem, MO, alongside his wife and parents.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the West County Assembly of God, 13431 North Outer 40 Road, Town and Country, MO 63017. Anzel enjoyed color, as evident in his artwork. Please feel free to wear joyful colors to his Celebration of Life. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net. Arrangements are entrusted to Fox Funeral Home. In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Licking Assembly of God in Licking, MO.
