Raymond Shirley

Raymond "Jack" Shirley, 80, passed away peacefully to the Lord on Saturday evening, November 13, 2010, at his home in Floyds Knobs. He was born on May 21, 1930, to Raymond C. and Mildred (Hubler) Shirley in New Albany, Indiana. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman when young. He was a gentleman and a man of honor, unswervingly devoted to God, his family, and his country. He served in the U. S. Navy. He retired after 30 years at B.F. Goodrich in Louisville, KY, and was then employed by Mount Saint Francis for 12 years, where he also served as a volunteer for 30 years. He was a very dedicated member of St. Mary's of the Knobs Catholic Church for 45 years.

He spent his entire life passionately devoted to Jesus Christ, and served in numerous ways to bring about His glory. These include: Holy Name Society and St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, builder of Our Lady Help of Christians, Interfaith Fellowship Committee and an active member of many ecumenical ministries uniting all Christian denominations, Prison ministries, Catholic Christian Education for Youth (40 years), and Assistant Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Explorer Scout Leader and Scout Master. He helped form St. Mary of the Knobs Parish Care for the poor, was involved in St. Mary's prayer communities and Christian Men's group, Living Water Prayer Community, President of Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship, March for Jesus and many other Christian organizations too numerous to mention. He was on the board of Right to Life of Southern Indiana and was also a Secular Franciscan.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Martha May (Osterholt) Shirley; his children Donna Shirley of Louisville; Michael Shirley of New Albany; Daniel Shirley and Kim (Brian) Fitzgerald of Floyds Knobs; Karen (Roger) Summers and Angela (Michael) Thompson of Elizabeth, and Barbara (Joseph) Reynolds of Sellersburg; his sister Sharon Heavener and his brother Ronald "Brent" Shirley, twelve grandchildren: Kevin (wife, Sarah) and Jeremy Summers; Emma and Ethan Alcorn; Abigail, Natalie, Miles, Bella and Jack Thompson; and Rebecca, William, and Anna Kate Reynolds. Step-grandchildren Krystal, Lee Ann, and Daniel Fitzgerald; Great grandchildren Waylon and Madox Summers, Micah Summers, and Andrew Fitzgerald. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother, Stephan Kent Shirley.

Visitation will be from 11 to 8 PM on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at Newcomer Funeral Home. A prayer service will take place Wednesday at 7 PM at the funeral home. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Thursday, November 18, 2010, at St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church (3033 Martin Road, Floyds Knobs, IN) with military honors and burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Contributions in Jack's memory may be made to either Mount Saint Francis Missions or the Right to Life of Southern Indiana.