Alfred “Gene” Shirk, longtime Carterville resident, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2019, after several years of declining health.
Gene was born December 21, 1927, fifth of eight children born to Alfred Vernon Shirk and Ollie Samantha Kelly Shirk. His family lived east of Pineville, Missouri, along the Big Sugar Creek where he returned each summer to take his own family camping and fishing.
After moving to Webb City, Missouri, he met Joy Marie Sidenstricker who became his school sweetheart and then his wife on January 17, 1945. They celebrated 65 years of marriage before her passing on April 9, 2010.
Gene obtained his degree in electrical engineering and was employed for over 35 years by Hercules Explosives at their Carthage, Missouri, plant while also operating his own electrical business, Quality Electrical Service. At the time of his retirement, he was the electrical leadman and supervisor of the maintenance department. After his Hercules retirement, he served as the Carterville city electrical inspector for many years. Much of his electrical services and resources were donated to civic organizations and persons just needing some help. He was always there and willing to give a hand up.
Gene was an ever busy handyman and especially enjoyed woodworking, drafting and creating many pieces of furniture from walnut, oak and cherry that are treasured by his family. His workshop was also a haven for every neighborhood child needing a bicycle repair or just a place to get some instruction on how to “fix it”.
A longtime member of Faith and New Hope Church at Carterville, he spent many days constructing and caring for the grounds and buildings where his faithful maintenance endures.
In addition to his wife and parents, Gene was preceded in death by his son, Mike, in 2016; four sisters, Melba, Claudine, Betty and Ollene; his brother, Floyd “Buck” Shirk; and one son-in-law, John Hunley.
He is survived by his daughters, Jeannine Shirk Landreth, Dianne Shirk Hunley and Phyllis Shirk Hombs and her husband, Jim, all of rural Joplin; two sisters, Wanda George of Joplin and Janelle Lewis of Ely, Nevada; 12 grandchildren, Shelly Landreth Terry, Eric Shirk, Buck Shirk and Morgan Shirk and their mother, Madylen Shirk, Allen Dorsey, Rachel Hunley Vanstory, Ramona Hunley, Christopher Hunley, Cindy Hunley, McGee Hombs Stroller, Cassie Hombs Mathes and Kelson Hombs; 22 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and special forever-family members, Jerry Lewis, Judy Lewis Penner and Vida Martinez.
Private graveside services will be held at Carterville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, Webb City, Missouri.
No comments:
Post a Comment