Alan E. Shirling

Alan E. Shirling of Prairie Village, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024. Alan lived his life to the fullest and was known by everyone for his welcoming personality, his passion for athletics, and his devotion to his faith and family.

Alan was born on January 1, 1939, in Concordia, Kansas, to Parker and Ruth Shirling. Alan graduated from Concordia High School. Upon graduation, he attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas, where he played football while earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies and Physical Education.

In 1960, Alan married his high school sweetheart and wife of sixty-three years, DeAnn Shirling, in Concordia, Kansas. Alan and DeAnn welcomed four sons to their marriage and remained active participants in their son’s lives and those of their three grandchildren until the end.

Alan was a gentle, outgoing, friendly, and loving person. Alan succeeded in sales as an insurance agent who enjoyed meeting his clients in person. In his free time, Alan enjoyed refereeing youth and high school sports, cooking with his grandchildren, teaching classes for AARP, and serving others as an active member of Christ Church.

Alan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara DeAnn Shirling; and his parents, Parker & Ruth Shirling. Alan is survived by his sister, Sue Shirling-Fitzgerald; his four sons, Eric Shirling, Chris Shirling, Curt Shirling and Jeremy Shirling; and his three grandchildren, Andrew Shirling, Meghan Shirling, and Parker Shirling.

A celebration of his life will be held at Christ Church Anglican in Overland Park, Kansas, on January 24, 2024 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Harvesters Community Food Network in his name via the following link : https://secure3.convio.net/harvst/site/Donation2?df_id=2800&2800.donation=form1