William LaClair Shirley

“Bill” William LaClair Shirley, 92 of Grand Island died Saturday, November 07, 2015 at the Grand Island Veterans Home. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Daniel Naranjo will officiate. Burial will be in the Phillips Cemetery with military honors provided by the United Veterans Honor Guard and the Army Honor Guard. Luncheon will follow the burial at the United Veterans Club in Grand Island. Visitation will be an hour before services. Mr. Shirley was born on September 12, 1923 at Stockville, NE the son of Clarence Thomas and Isabelle (Wagner) Shirley. Survivors include his children, Connie (Diller) Leaman of Lakeview, Arkansas, Don (Deb) Shirley of Sparta, Missouri, Bob (Detta) Shirley of Maywood, Linda (Bob “Doc”) Humrich of Doniphan, Debbie Ewoldt of Grand Island and Mike (Phyllis Vieyra) Shirley of Grand Island; grandchildren, Rodney, Amy, Mike, Lisa, Angela, Andrea, Dann, Don, Joey, Dina, Rob ,Terry, Barbara, Sandy, Michael, Brian, Lori, James, Valerie, Brent, Barry, Sherri , Megan and Riley, ; 27 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Jean) Shirley of North Platte and sister, Mary Ann Norgaard of Maywood. He is preceded in death by wife, Vera; daughter, Patricia Edwardson; his parents; brothers, Tom and James Shirley; sister, Marge Boner; son-in-law, Roger Ewoldt; great grandchildren Josey Shirley and Emily Wald. Bill grew up living and working on farms in Stockville, Curtis, Maywood and Indianola. He attended school at Havana High School at Indianola. He entered the 8th Army Airforce, and was attached to the 721st Quarter Master trucking company on February 16, 1943. He was honorably discharged on November 15, 1945. His highest rank was Staff Sargent. On August 10, 1946 he was united in marriage to Vera Floro. They were married for 62 years. They lived in Santa Maria, CA, Curtis, NE, Chappell, NE, Grand Island, NE and Phillips, NE. He was employed by Burlington Railroad, was a farm laborer, interior/exterior decorator in Chappell. He was a carpenter at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant, a union carpenter for many years and helped build a lot of commercial buildings in Grand Island. Memberships included Carpenters Local 1187 Union, serving as president and secretary, the VFW and American Legion. Bill really loved and enjoyed spending time with all of his family. He also liked fixing cars, fishing, going to auctions and took great pride in his gardens. Bill had an answer for everything, but when he didn’t, he would say “it’s a secret”. His favorite recent saying was I might be 92 but nobody’s gonna “hoodwink” me. Bill was loved by many and will be missed by all. Memorials are suggested to the Hall County Vietnam War Hero Flight. Condolences may be sent to www.giallfaiths.com

William LaClair Shirley

September 12, 1923 - November 7, 2015

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William LaClair Shirley

September 12, 1923 - November 7, 2015

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support