Evan D. Shirey

WILLIAMSBURG - Evan Dale Shirey went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 26, 2002. Evan was born November 16, 1927, in Mendota, Illinois, and lived a full and adventure-filled life under the hand of God's protection. He joined the Merchant Marines in October of 1944, at the age of 16. He served on the SS Tokias E. Stansbuty and the SS Pan Am, surviving two ships that went down. He went on to serve in Korea where he was briefly taken prisoner, but escaped. He was wounded by machine gun fire in the leg, chest, left arm, and head. He was awarded the Silver Star for heroic achievements. Serving his country for 20 years, Evan continued to find adventure in life in other ways. Raising three children, working as an extra in the movie "George Washington," playing the bagpipes for a local band, crafts and clockmaking kept him busy when he wasn't working. He leaves behind a wife, Bonnie Shirey of Williamsburg; two daughters, Katy Suiter and Laurie Shirey, both of Williamsburg; and a son, James Shirey of Williamsburg. He also leaves three precious grandchildren, Shawn, Michael and Amber, and a number of treasured friends. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, Va. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Nelsen Funeral Home. Nelsen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.