(2048-2026)

Jerry Lee Shirley, 78, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Ellsworth, Kan. He was born Jan. 6, 1948, in Lincoln, Kan., to Thomas and Alice (O’Neill) Shirley. Jerry married Sandi Townsend in Utica, Kan., on July 24, 1971. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and Ellsworth American Legion Post 174. Jerry spent most of his career working at Cashco. After retirement he spent his days relaxing at home and liked to go play poker. If there was ever an argument, Jerry was always right. His pride and joy were his three granddaughters, and he had special nicknames for each of them. His days were not complete until his “girls” came to visit.

Jerry is survived by his wife Sandi Shirley, Kanopolis; daughter Michelle Schwerdtfeger (Buddy), Kanopolis; son Michael Shirley (Lacy), Corpus Christi, Texas; grandchildren Ashlyn “Princess,” Malle “Baby Girl,” and Taryn “Little Darling” Schwerdtfeger and Bryce, Breanna and Ethan Shirley; sister Margaret “Marge” Smith (Hal), San Diego, Calif.; and sister-in-law Sheila Shirley, Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Leo and Bill Shirley.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Kanopolis Fire Department, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Condolences can be left at parsonsfh.com.