Elzie B. Shirley

Memorial Visitation:

Saturday, September 14, 2024

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Elzie B. Shirley, 91, of Lebanon, IL, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Clinton Manor Living Center in New Baden, IL.

He was born on April 11, 1933, to John “Robert” Crittenden Shirley and Julia “Bernice” (nee Edwards) Shirley, in Summer Shade, KY.  On November 12, 1955, he married Barbara Bowles in Glasgow, KY.

Elzie has lived in Lebanon since 1968, moving from Germany where he was stationed in the military. One year after graduating from Edmonton Metcalf Co High School, Elzie enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served for 23 years, retiring in 1974 as a Master Sergeant, then went to work for Kuhn Lumber making door framings.

Elzie enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues, going to the fitness center (every day for 10 years), gardening, and woodworking, in which he would sell his work at local craft fairs. A caring man, Elzie was always around to lend a hand, especially snowplowing peoples’ driveways in the winter and helping others when needed.

A family man, he found great joy in taking trips to Kentucky to visit with family and loved taking care of and showing affection to his wife, Barbara. He was a big prankster, loving to tell jokes and kidding around, never letting an opportunity pass to laugh. Elzie will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Elzie was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara Shirley; parents, John “Robert” and Julia “Bernice” Shirley; and sisters, Doris Faulkner and Ann Page.

He is survived by his children, Teva (Randy) Steeno and Venita Shirley; brother, Robert Edward Shirley; and multiple nieces and nephews residing in Kentucky.

Memorials may be made to the Clinton Manor Activities Fund, PO Box 19, New Baden, IL 62265.

Memorial Visitation: Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL