Richard “Dick” L. Shirar, age 90, passed away at Marion General Hospital at 4:03 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017, following an extensive battle with COPD. Dick was born on March 20, 1926, to Bert and Emma (Clemm) Shirar in Scircleville, Indiana. He moved to Marion and later to Kokomo before returning to Marion where he lived the rest of his life.
He retired in 1994 from Jo-Ann Fabrics and, as manager, worked tirelessly to create one of the top craft stores for Fabri-Centers of America. He previously managed Schiff shoe stores throughout central Indiana and was a district manager for Sears and Roebuck. Dick loved fishing, as well as IU basketball and Notre Dame football. He was a die-hard Cubs fan and was delighted to see them win the World Series. He was a master at woodworking, creating his designs to last a lifetime for family and friends.
Dick is survived by Mary, his wife of 22 years; children, Steve (Toulou) Shirar, Mystic, Connecticut, and Kathy (Allon) Durkes, Converse; grandchildren, David (Jenny) Durkes and Steve (Kim) Durkes, both from Converse, Jeff (Kelly) Durkes, Fort Wayne, Kassie (Tod) Miller, Amboy, and Stephanie (Eric) Rosenberg, Framingham, Massachusetts; step-children, Jennifer (David) Stevens, Julie (Lawrence) Smith, and Christopher Grow, all from Marion; sister, Roseanna Reynolds, Marion; step-grandchildren, Tyler Rose, Zachary Burton, Jasmine (fiancée Cody) Burton, Kendra (Jake) Ancil, Kelsey (Adam) Johnson, Kayleigh Smith, Kaeda Smith, Daivari Smith, Jayden, Jaron, and Jayla; great-grandchildren, Derek Durkes, Joel Durkes, Justin Durkes, Lauren Durkes, Drew (Leah) Durkes, Brandon Rose, Janette Miller, Lori Miller, Toby Miller, Kaysi (Tim) Mendenhall, and Caitlyn Rosenberg; step-great-grandchildren, Elijah Ancil and Adelynn Ancil; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his first wife, Elma Rose (Marquis) Fitch; sister, Beatrice Gillespie; and daughter, Janet Shirar.
Family and friends may call from 1-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion.
Dick’s funeral service is at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at the funeral home with David Durkes officiating. Burial will follow at Grant Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.