Robert "Bob" E. Shirley

Bob was born on October 18, 1941, in Springfield, the son of Cashies M. and Dorothy Mrasak Shirley. He married Sondra L. Philipp on June 6, 1964, at St. Cabrini in Springfield.

Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was employed as an operator for Brandt Fertilizer Consolidated from 1979 to 2002; retiring after 22 years of service. Bob was a member of the Navy Club and the American Legion Post 759 in Chatham. He was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed gardening and loved spending time with his cats.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sondra Shirley of Chatham; daughters, Lisa (Darren) James of Alexander and Dawn (Martin) Ribble of Chatham; grandsons, Brandon (Jessie) and Jacob Ribble; great- granddaughter, Adaline Ribble; brothers, George “Bill” Shirley and James “Jim” Shirley; nieces, Cindi and Tami; nephew, Aaron; and several cousins.

Funeral Ceremony and Visitation: 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2019, at Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Visitation will follow until 7:00 p.m.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center-Chatham following ceremonies.

A private burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery at a later date with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.