David Allan Shirley, 78, went home to be with the lord on Monday, September 18, 2023, at his residence in Bel Aire, Kansas, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

David was born on January 14, 1945, in San Francisco, California, to Asa and Avera (Poynter) Shirley, returning the family's hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, shortly thereafter. He was a 1963 graduate of Rosedale High School, Rosedale, Indiana. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force serving in Vietnam as a weapons mechanic providing direct combat support for the F-105. During this time, he was stationed at McConnell AFB where he met the love of his life, Jean.

After his service and an honorable discharge, he was a proud 50+ year member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #157 in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he retired as a Journeyman Plumber and Pipefitter. The couple settled in Terre Haute, Indiana after their marriage in 1968 creating the family they loved. After 42 years in Terre Haute, Dave and Jean returned to Wichita, Kansas in 2010 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Dave loved wood working, creating many pieces for different family members, friends and his church community. He was a former member of Calvary's Temple in Terre Haute and an active member of Calvary's Rock in Wichita. He was an avid golfer always trying to perfect his game. He enjoyed all sports but enjoyed watching the NY Yankees and the SF 49ers. However, above all, he loved watching his grandchildren play softball, march in the color guard and play soccer.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Brenda Ann Shirley; grandsons, Chace Alexander Shirley and Brayden David Lee Schulze; sisters, Mary Hills, Veda Otterman and Ruth Price; and brothers, Byron Shirley and Robert Shirley.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth "Jean" Shirley of the home; daughters, Michele (Tom)Blitz and Brandi (Joe) Schulze; grandchildren, Erin (Jesse) West, Makenzie (Bill) Blair, Kerrah Schulze, Alexis Schulze-Todd, and Teagen Schulze; great-grandchildren, Micah West, Graham West and Karter Schulze; and several nieces and nephews, whom many called "Uncle Dinky".

A Celebration of Life will be held at Calvary's Rock Church at 2661 South Meridian Street, Wichita, on Monday September 25th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wichita Children's Home – 7271 E 37th St North – Wichita, KS 67226.

Arrangements are entrusted to Baker Funeral Home of Wichita.