BILL MAURICE SHIRLEY

Bill Maurice Shirley, age 85, resident of 2173 Indian Road, Fort Scott, died Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at the Medicalodge.

He was born April 2, 1925 in Greenville, Texas, the son of Noah T. and Bessie L. Shirley.

When Bill was six, the family moved to Childress, Texas where he was raised.

At the age of 17, he went into the United States Army Air Corps and flew forty-eight missions in a B24 bomber. He was shot down twice in the South Pacific.

Following discharge from the Air Force, he was employed as an insurance examiner for 37 years, part of which was spent with Western Insurance Company.

Bill also ran the Fort Scott Airport for four years and worked as an aircraft mechanic and inspector.

He was a member of the Community Christian Church. Bill married Flora Snow on May 31, 1969 in Fort Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Flora, of the home; two sons, Tom Shirley and wife Michelle, Springfield, Missouri, Gary Clark and wife Rene', Frisco, Texas; and a daughter, Janet Leigh, Dallas, Texas.

Also surviving are two grandchildren, Daniel Shirley and Kaitlyn Shirley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, N. T. Shirley Jr.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct graveside services at 2:30 p.m., Friday in U. S. National Cemetery.

Military Honors will be conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post No. 1165 V.F.W.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until leaving for the cemetery in the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.