Dewey L. Shirk, 91, of Richwood, died Monday afternoon, Jan. 8, 2018, at his home following a brief illness.
A lifelong farmer and member of the agriculture community, he was a service man and salesman for the Champaign Landmark Company having worked for the co-ops since 1948.
Dewey was a graduate of Broadway High School and a standout all-county guard on the high school basketball team. Proud of his country, Dewey served during World War II in Japan. With family being an important part of his life, he was involved in their many endeavors: Broadway Little League, 4-H, horse club, high school athletics, FFA activities, collegiate football, volleyball and track and professional football with the New York Giants.
He was born Oct. 12, 1926, in Union County to the late Heber and Neva Wright Shirk. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Alfred, Gerald, Robert, Lester and Malen.
Twice married, he was preceded in death by his first wife, the former Rosemary Westlake in 1997; they were married in 1946. He then was preceded in death by his second wife, Miriam Hisey in 2007; they were married in 1998.
Dewey is survived by his children, Rebecca (Ed) Eirich and Mary Eppelheimer, both of Marysville, Gary (Linda) Shirk of LaPorte, Pa., Charles Shirk of Oak Lawn, Ill., Barbara (Ray) Anderson of Clemmons, N.C., and Beverly Simkins of Liberty Township; grandchildren, Angela Shirk, Kristen (Dave) Zerden, Jeffrey (Liz) Shirk, Brian Eppelheimer, Aspen Morehead, Kathryn (Christopher) Harris, Lyndsay Eirich, Jill (Jeramie) Brey, Taylor, Trista and Colten Simkins and Jacob and Jordan Anderson; great-grandchildren, Kyleah, Trinity and Avery Brey, Matthew and Christopher Zerden, Rudy Harris and Emily, Anna and Garrett Shirk; and sister, Geneva Chadwick of Whitehall.
Calling is from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at Ingram Funeral Home in Marysville , where funeral services begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, with the Rev. James Taylor officiating. Burial follows at Broadway Cemetery with the Union County Honor Guard providing full military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marysville FFA Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed at www.ingramfuneralservice.com.