Michael "Mike" "Shirk" Lynn Shirkey was born October 18th, 1957 in Wichita, KS to G. Lynn and Sue B. Baker Shirkey.  He left this life and met Jesus face-to-face on October 27th, 2024 at the age of 67.

Mike attended Wichita High School South, graduating in the class of 1975. He went on to receive both an undergraduate and master's degree from Friends University in Wichita, KS.

Mike had three careers. After high school he joined the Wichita Fire Department, where he worked for about 2 years. From there, he went on to more schooling and a tech career for the following 30 years. In 2009, Mike changed career paths again and returned to school to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Following graduate school, Mike spent the next 10 years working his dream job at Hutchinson Community College serving as a counselor, teacher, and advisor to the students on campus, as well as a therapist in private practice, working with clients of all ages and situations.

We will all miss Mike's contagious laughter, big hugs, silly jokes and enduring love

Mike was preceded in death by both parents.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Debbie Shirkey; two daughters Kalyn (Adrian) Waller and Shawntel Shirkey (Jared Evans); siblings Bill Shirkey, Julia (Bill) Johnston, Kate (Mark) Eaton, Pam (Jack) Mitchell, Kelly (Billy) Simmons; mother-in-law Sharon Clark; nieces and nephews Dana (Russell) Schrock, Elizabeth (Matt) Deffner, Jessi (Jeremy) Hall, Briawna (Stephen) Hartmann, Taryn Bowman, Scott Shirkey, Austin (Nicole) Callahan, and Isaac Simmons; great-nieces and nephew Shelby, Miranda (Mason), Cameron (Mary), and their children Joshua, Noah, Molly, Mina, Maia, Zoe, Scott, Weston, Jaxon, Leo, and Isabel; family friends Bruce (Gina) Shira, Nathan (Justine) Shira, Naomi (Mark) Payne, and their children Aubrey, Hailey, Logan, Amelia, Wesley, and Eleanor as well as numerous cousins, family members, and friends.

You are invited to celebrate his life and memory with us on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:30 AM at West Ridge Community Church, 7315 W. 13th Street, Wichita, KS 67212.  Mike was not a "suit and tie" person, so please feel free to dress however you feel comfortable.  You are welcome to wear Kansas City Chiefs attire or anything else that Mike would have loved.

The service will also be live streamed on Facebook, under the public page:  Deb Shirkey

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Family Promise of Greater Wichita, 1111 N. St Francis, Wichita, KS  67214.

After the memorial service, all are welcome to stay for a lunch hosted by the church.

There will be a private graveside service at a later date.