Dennis Keith Shira

Dennis Shira, age 77, of Evansville, IN, passed away August 23, 2024, at his home.

Dennis was born July 17,1947, in Effingham, IL, to Robert  K. and Ruth M. Shira (Welton). He grew up in Cowden, IL where he attended elementary through high school in Cowden, IL. Then went off to college to pursued a business degree at Illinois State University and finishing in 3 ½ years. He was married to Judith Shira for 55 years. With a son, daughter, son-in-law, 5 grandchildren, and one great grandchild he had a robust family life.

For a short time, he was a teacher and taught in Lincoln, IL. In 1969, just before the Vietnam draft, Dennis enlisted in the Army. After Basic Training he entered Officer Candidate School to be an officer. He became a First Lieutenant in the Artillery Division at Fort Sill. After the military Dennis returned to Illinois State University to earn his master’s degree in business. In 1974, he joined State Farm Insurance at the Corporate office and retired from their after 34 years in 2006.

Dennis was an avid baseball enthusiast. This passion led him to establish McLean County, IL PONY baseball – which stood for Protect Our Nation’s Youth. He was a loyal LA Dodgers baseball fan. He enjoyed fishing & boating with his family. He attended Northwoods Church.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 55 years Judith; daughter,Tammy Silen (Mark); son, Sean Shira; sisters, Connie Driziqaker (Robert) and Diana Standage (Curtis); brothers, Bruce Shira (Gina) and Jeff Shira (Cheryl); grandchildren, Trevor Silen (Mallory), Keegan Silen, Ava Silen, Madelyn Shira, Ziva Silen; and one great grandchild, Blakely Silen.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00p.m., Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue with Pastor Mark Silen and Pastor Trevor Silen officiating.

Friends may visit from 4:00p.m. until 6:00p.m., Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel.

A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit www.boonefuneralhome.net, select your loved one’s obituary, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Live Stream.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newburgh, Young Life 5411 IN-261, PO Box 38, Newburgh, IN 47630. 

Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dennis Shira. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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