Steven L. Shirley's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Steven Lynn Shirley, age 71 of Charleston, died on Monday, June 20, 2016 while at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Visitation for family and friends will be held from Noon until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Memorial Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral chapel with Pastor Dennis Strawn officiating. Steve's family requests casual attire for the visitation and service. His earthly body will be cremated and his cremains will be inurned at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston at a privately held service. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston Food Pantry, the Charleston School District Helping Hands Program, or to a favorite charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or services, or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Steve was born May 27, 1945 in Charleston, IL, a son of the late Howard Shirley and Virginia (Jenkins) Shirley Woodyard. He married Fraun Lewis on March 10, 1979 in Tolono, IL and they have been the best of friends for the past 37 years. In addition to his devoted and loving wife Fraun, he leaves two daughters, Dru Lazzara and husband Tom of Carol Stream, IL and Marti Shirley of Mattoon; 3 grandsons, Alex Lazzara, Zach Lazzara and Nicholas Shirley; two daughters who were always in his thoughts and prayers if not always in his life, Malena and Stephanie and their families; a brother, Mike (Susan) Shirley of Bloomington, IL and Taos, NM; a sister-in-law, Laura (John) Buckels of Dekalb, IL and his mother-in-law, Carolyn Lewis of Mattoon. He is also survived by several close friends who helped to greatly enhance his quality of life on a daily basis. Steve was a graduate of Charleston High School Class of 1963 and received his Bachelors Degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1967. He was a memorable teacher for many students during his 30 plus year tenure as a teacher of Biology, Driver's Ed and Physical Education at Atwood-Hammond High School. Steve's Bible was well worn as he was a man of faith and attended church regularly when his health permitted. He was also a Master Mason and a former member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. Steve Shirley possessed a brilliant, keen and incredible mind. He was an avid reader whose thirst for knowledge could not be quenched. He retained everything he read earning him the title of "The Master" by his close friends and family. He was their "Google" and he enjoyed imparting his vast amount of knowledge often accompanied by his quick wit and humor. He was not only a teacher in the classroom but a teacher in his every day journey through life. Steve also possessed a spirit of humility. He was generous - to a fault - with his time, talents and resources, and never wanted his contributions acknowledged. His sincere concern for others was his only motivation. Steve met life's challenges with such grace, never complaining and with a positive outlook. He loved his and Fraun's country home and acreage. When he could no longer help with outdoor chores, his view from his perch at their kitchen window still allowed him to appreciate the beauty of God's creation and to also keep watch over Fraun as she tended their garden. He was also an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs as well as a huge Peyton Manning fan. Steve's character was like a magnet which drew people to him. Conversations with him were always interesting, enlightening, sometimes frustrating, but always enjoyable. The longer you were in his presence, the more you learned to appreciate his sense of humor, his sincerity and his honesty. He loved his family dearly and has left all who knew and loved him a lifetime of memories and stories to share. Click to view Steve's memorial video. SERVICES Visitation Saturday, June 25, 2016 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Memorial Service Saturday, June 25, 2016 2:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920
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