Dale W. Shirley

East Alton: Dale W. Shirley, 77, passed away at 9:40am on Friday, June 16, 2017, at his residence with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 18, 1939, in Alton, the son of the late Clarence and Margaret (Powers) Shirley. He married the former Janice K. Burney on February 11, 1961, at the Curdie Heights Southern Baptist Church in Alton, and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters and sons in law: Christy and Stan Hammond of Rosewood Heights, Lori and Rodney Palmer of East Alton, four grandchildren: Nikki Duncan and her husband: Scott of Alton, Jenny Hammond of Wood River, Nathan Palmer and his wife: Melissa of DeLand, Florida, Stephanie Hall and her husband: Derek of Rosewood Heights, seven great grandchildren: Tessa Duncan, Benton Palmer, Graham Palmer, Grace Palmer, Carter Hall, Grayden Hall, Kinley Hall, one sister and brother in law: Sharon and Allan Storey of East Alton, one brother: Duane “Hop” Shirley of East Alton, and many other extended family and friends. Dale was employed as a fireman for the East Alton Fire Department for twenty – six years where he retired with the rank of Engineer on June 19, 1990. He was a member of the former Curdie Heights Southern Baptist Church in Alton. Dale and Janice are members of Abundant Life Community Church. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1957 to 1959. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister in law: Theresa “Terry” Shirley. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm on Monday, June 19, 2017, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River with a formal fire department walk through at 7pm. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Abundant Life Community Church in Alton. Pastor Chris Clark will officiate. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military rites by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton. Memorials are suggested to Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville or to Abundant Life Community Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.