Obituary of Elsayed-Akef El Shenawy

Elsayed-Ake El Shenawy was born in Hehia, Egypt on April 30, 1950. He was one of five children born from the union of the late Mohamed El Shenawy and the late Enje Arjedar François. Akef grew up in Egypt, just north of Cairo, attended Ain Shams University, Cairo, and rose to the rank of Flight Lieutenant in the Egyptian Air Force. He was shot down and fled the country in 1971. He met his future wife Susan in Athens, Greece in 1972. Akef married Susan Shankleton on February 14, 1977 in Dearborn, Michigan. From this union would come the birth of one son, David S.Shenawy. Akef had a good sense of humor and a strong Sunni-Muslim faith. Both qualities helped him balance his life as a successful business man owning four different companies one of which was called Centrella out of the Romulus area. A highly intelligent man, he could speak six different languages: Arabic, French, Greek, English, Ukraine, and Italian. Akef was very active in the Dearborn Community Center helping with children. He enjoyed writing poetry, gardening, canning and socializing with friends. Akef loved cooking but his favorite place to eat was KFC. As someone who loved to talk, Akef could talk forever on one of his favorite subjects, politics. He also enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby. Elsayed-Akef "Akef" Mohamed El Shenawy, age 64 of Maybee, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Medilodge of Monroe. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by two brothers:Atef and Kamel. To cherish his memory Akef leaves his wife of thirty-seven years: Susan Shankleton of Maybee; one son: David Shenawy (Kelly Johnson) of Monroe; two sisters: Wafaa and Amal El Shenawy both of Egypt; a brother -in-law: Dale Shankleton of Maybee; dear friends: Joseph Loruss of Monroe, Shawn Bressler of Newport and Dave Longacre of Toledo Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with his arrangements and cremation has taken place through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, Michigan. Private services were held and no public services are planned. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, send a floral arrangement, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.