C.J. Shirkey

C.J. Shirkey, the only child born to Commodore and Mabel (Eutsler) Shirkey, went to be with the Lord on September 11, 2011. He was born August 13, 1938. C.J. grew up in the Galena area and graduated from Galena High School in 1956. C.J. served for six years in the United States Navy. After his service he lived in California for six years but found his way back to the Ozarks where he lived and worked for Southwestern Bell until his retirement. When his father passed away in 1974 he brought his mother to live with him in Springfield since she had never learned to drive. He made a city girl out of a country girl. C.J. loved to travel. His choice was to do the "bus tour"� to be able to really see the country and various shows. He had a love for music of all varieties and had a beautiful vocal voice. His heart was full of love and caring. He demonstrated this through his selfless giving of time and service to his family, friends, and colleagues. He was member of the Solomon Lodge #271 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (AF and AM) of Missouri, the AT & T Pioneers Life Member Club, and the "George"�s Breakfast Club."� His dry droll since of humor, smile and laughter will be missed. He was preceded in death by his father Commodore Shirkey, his mother Mabel (Eutsler) Shirkey and grandparents, Ernest and Minnie Eutsler and Tom and Fannie Shirkey. C.J. is survived by an Uncle John A. Eutsler and wife Emma; cousins, Jeana R. Siler and husband Jim, Don Henderson, Greg Morrow and wife Soo Ling, David Eutsler and wife Margie, and Gerald Shirkey and wife Betty. He will be missed by his family and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Nixa Christian Church, 400 Northview Road, Nixa, MO 65714. A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 16, with Reverend Chad Mattlingly. Full military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy Honors Team and Missouri Veterans Memorial Team.