MOUNT VERNON — Dennis Gilbert Shirley, age 91, of Mt. Vernon went home to be with his Savior on August 24th, 2023.
He was a beloved husband, dad, and papa. Dennis was born in Mt. Vernon on March 5th, 1932, the son of James and Iva (Risley) Shirley. He married Helen Marie Leathers on December 24th, 1949, at the home of Reverend Truett Miller in Morganfield, Kentucky. They shared seventy-three years and eight months of marriage that was full of love for each other and set a wonderful example for their family. Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Sargent in charge of heavy equipment. He served from September 1952 through August 1954 with eighteen months served in Seoul, Korea. Dennis worked twelve years at the Vernois Stove Foundry. In 1963, he began working for the City of Mt. Vernon. He became Director of Public Works in 1976 and continued until his retirement in 1994. Dennis was a faithful member of First Freewill Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon and was ordained as a Deacon in 1969. He dug the foundation of the church with a backhoe when it was built. He drove the church bus for over thirty years and served as Sunday school secretary.
He is survived by his loving wife Helen of Mt. Vernon, son Steven Shirley and wife Maribeth of Mt. Vernon. Three grandchildren, Jennifer and husband Jay Holloway, John and wife Holly Shirley, all of Mt. Vernon, and Joshua and wife Laura of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina. Six great grandchildren, Hunter, who has been a special blessing, Josie, and Griffin Shirley, Baylee, Addie, and Grant Holloway, a sister-in-law Patricia Cagle, a brother-in-law James Shreve and several nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Mary Willis and Thelma Shore, brother Virgil (Cotton) and wife Gene Shirley, and Elmer Shirley who lost his life serving in World War II in France.
A Visitation will be held Monday, August 28, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Craig Smith and Brother David Shores officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the American Legion Post #141.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made in Dennis’ honor to SSM Health at Home Hospice, who has been a great blessing to the family. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.