Herman Richard Shirar, 95, Gas City, passed away at 10:20 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Colonial Oaks Health & Rehabilitation Center in Marion. He was born in Rossville, Indiana, on Thursday, September 1, 1927, to Roscoe and Mamie (Davis) Shirar. On June 19, 1955, he married Marion Ellen Shipley and she survives.
Herman graduated from Marion High School. He enlisted in the Army and was sent overseas where he served in Korea for 18 months. He received the World War II Victory Medal and was honorably discharged. He attended Purdue University and graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Industrial Arts in 1952. He worked as a production manager for 35 years with Anaconda Wire and Cable.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Grant County. Herman enjoyed hobbies of all sorts. He loved the outdoors, gardening, flowers, and landscaping. He enjoyed woodworking, model trains, and photography. He also enjoyed genealogy and published 50 copies of the family history. He loved to travel, was involved with scouting and white water rafting with his son, and served as a school board member in Flora, Illinois. Square dancing was another hobby of his where he developed many friendships. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Marion Ellen Shirar of Gas City; son, Timothy O. (Debbie) Shirar of North Manchester; daughter, Brenda (Dannis) Warf of Shelbyville, IL; grandchildren, Braxton (Elizabeth) Shirar of Ft. Wayne, Chad (Stacy Allsup) Shirar of San Diego, CA, John (Tarryn) Shirar of Montpelier, Timmy (Kayona) Shirar of Parker City, Christopher (Carrie) Aultman of Sumrall, MS, Katie (Marcus) Neil of Shelbyville, IL, Cody (Hannah Severin) Baker of St Louis, MO, Clayton Baker of Shelbyville, IL; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Mamie Shirar; brothers, Robert “Bob” Shirar, Wilbur Shirar; and sister, Carol L. David.
The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church of Grant County, 601 S. Main St., Jonesboro, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Herman’s life will begin at 12:00 pm with Pastor Laurie Wolcott officiating. Burial will take place at Jefferson Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to First Presbyterian Church 601 N. Main St., Jonesboro, IN 46938 and/or The Well PO Box 114, Jonesboro, IN 46938.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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