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Courtesy of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice


Wilbur Dale Shirley, 90, of Choate Prairie Community passed away from this life on April 29, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his family. The family will welcome friends for viewing and visitation on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 4, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor J. T. Carnell officiating. Pallbearers will be Wilbur's grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Kitchens, Stanley Hyde, Sam Walden, Gary Walden, Stan McMullen, and Earl Leewright. Wilbur Dale Shirley was born on December 16, 1932 in Gum Springs, Oklahoma to David Daniel Shirley and Artie Mae Ruble Shirley. He grew up around the Gum Springs and Holdenville areas. As a child he loved to squirrel and coon hunt. He had a man give him a hive of bees and this started a path that would be a career later on. He loved woodworking and made several pieces of furniture while in school and several as an adult. While in school he worked for his brother in heat/air. After graduating Holdenville High School in 1950, he continued to work with his brother. He left for the Army in 1952 in Ft. Polk, LA and finished his remaining time in Ft. Dix, N.J. He married Barbara Lee Black on May 11, 1954. Then went to college to become an elementary teacher. He obtained his degree from East Central College. He worked with OG&E then begin to teach at the Acme school district. In 1961 the family moved to Parker, Arizona where he taught school and drove the school bus. In 1964 they moved to Dinuba, California and taught school. He also helped his wife’s uncle with hauling chickens and bees. In 1966 they moved to Hanford, California to start his own bee business. He, his wife, and sons all worked with the bees. Although enjoying the bee business, his dream was to farm and ranch. In 1971 the family moved to Indianola, Oklahoma where he fulfilled his dream. It is also the place that he lost the love of his life to cancer in 2014. Since that day, he has wanted to leave this world and he is now reunited with her. He was a deacon and active member in church, taught Sunday School and loved the Lord very much. Survivors include his sons: John Shirley and wife Ronda, Roger Shirley and wife Michelle of Indianola; daughter: Leslie Annette (Shirley) White and husband Jimmy of McAlester; sister Florence Howard; sister in laws: Sharon Black and Eva Black. Grandchildren: Justin (April), Vernetta, Chris (Dena), Leslie (Denver), James Dailey (Haley), and Roger (Cassey). Great Grandchildren: Mackenzie (Lane), Cooper, Maci, Clayton, Carson, Brody, Faith, Toni, Brynli, Kaden, Kyleigh, and Emma. Great Great Grandchild: Kash. Numerous nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by: wife, Barbara (Black) Shirley, parents, David and Artie (Ruble) Shirley, inlaws: C. H. Black, Sr and Nadean (Luker) Black; brothers: Roy and wife Katy Shirley, Joe and wife Fonzine Shirley; Brother in laws: Jessie Howard, Hack Black, Jr., and Wendell Black; nephews: David Shirley and Steven Holman. A Special Thank you to Sabrina, Jaci, Amanda and Heartland Hospice for the loving care of our Dad and Papa.

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