GILBERT SHIRK

GILBERT SHIRK CHESTERFIELD, IN: On September 3, 2025, a life well-lived came to an end when Gilbert E. Shirk, 97, died at his residence after an extended illness. Born in Alexandria on February 15, 1928, to Harry and Margaret (Niland) Shirk, he graduated from Alexandria High School in 1946. From age 12 until he entered the Army in 1946, he worked summers at his father's concession business at Meyers Lake Park in Canton, OH. Gilbert went on to work for Delco Remy for 40 years, first in tool and die, and then using drafting skills he learned in the Army, in machine design. He retired in 1993. He was a member of Fellowship Masonic Lodge #681 and the Alexandria-Monroe Historical Society Museum. Gilbert was an avid traveler, visiting all 50 states and 21 countries. He especially enjoyed whale watching in Maui, climbing Ayers Rock and driving the GM Sunraycer route in Australia, and connecting with his roots in Ireland. He enjoyed bringing his design skills to woodworking and stained glass until Parkinson's tremors made that work impossible. In 2023, he became the oldest person to have focused ultrasound treatment for Parkinson's tremor at Cleveland Clinic. His kind and generous soul is survived by his daughter, Deborah (William) Farrell of New Albany, Indiana; and sons Kevin Shirk of Federal Way, Washington, and Mark Shirk of Chesterfield; a brother-James Leonard (Marcella) Shirk of Malibu, California; and many nieces and nephews. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife-Jean Carroll Shirk in 1998, Sisters-Infant Mary Shirk, Harriett (Jack) Otake, Betty (Delmar) Hampton, Brothers-John "Jack" Shirk, Richard Shirk, Robert Shirk, and Thomas Shirk. Services honoring Gilbert's life took place at 11 am on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in the Owens Funeral Home, 412 North Harrison Street, Alexandria with Pastor Ned Clark officiating. Interment followed in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria. The Shirk family received friends at the Owens Funeral Home on Monday from 5 pm to 7 pm. The Fellowship Masonic Lodge conducted a memorial service at 6:30 pm Monday. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Alexandria-Monroe Historical Society Museum with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences: www.owensmemorialservices.com