William R. Shirey

SHIREY, William R.
Of Comstock Bill passed away Friday evening, August 29, 2008 at Laurels of Galesburg. He was born November 25, 1925 in Munising, MI, the son of Robert and Anna Lamour Shirey. Bill was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II. He was employed by Georgia Pacific Co. for 31 years until his retirement in 1987. Bill was a member of the American Legion Munising Post #131 and F. & A. M. Portage-Brady Lodge #340. On September 5, 1953, he was united in marriage to Jane Bjork, who preceded him in death on August 18, 1976. On June 14, 1986, he married Twila Whipple Ledbetter, who survives. Also surviving are his 3 children, David Jackie Shirey of Parchment, Susan Tom Smith of Topeka, IN, and Kathleen Shirey of Kalamazoo; 2 step-sons, Dennis Ledbetter of Galesburg and Douglas Judith Ledbetter of Comstock; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Anne Robert Blackman of Portage; and several nieces and nephews. Also preceding him in death were his parents; 2 sisters, Mary Louise "Molly" Bernard, and Janet Becker; and 1 brother, Hollis Shirey. Funeral services for Bill will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue, with Father James O'Leary officiating. Interment will follow in Portage South Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home with Masonic Services at 7:30 PM. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to F. & A. M. Portage-Brady Lodge # 340.