Carl Richard Shirer

Carl Richard Shirer, 81, of South Zanesville, died at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, October 26, 2008 at his residence. He was born July 17, 1927, in Sonora, Muskingum County, the seventh son of the late Wilmer J. and Ina M. Gardner Shirer. After graduating from Adamsville High School Class of 1945, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in a weather unit in Alaska. Upon returning to Zanesville, he started to work for Ohio Bell Telephone Company, retiring in 1984 after 34 years of service. Surviving are four children, Greg (Tina) Shirer and Jennie (Jeff) Sidwell of Zanesville, Mollie (Eric) Shiplett of Cincinnati and Kellie (Mel) Kurtz of Independence, Ohio and 11 grandchildren, Abbie Sidwell, A.J. Sidwell, Allie Sidwell, Annie Sidwell, Cal Criswell, Curt Criswell, Caylan Criswell, Emilie Kurtz, Gracie Kurtz, Brock Neal and Megan Neal; three brothers, W. Ralph of Adamsville, Billy J. and Thomas C., both of Zanesville and a sister, Alice R. Shirer of Zanesville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Patsy A. McBride Shirer, whom he married in 1955 and who died January 10, 1997; three brothers, Rollin, Howard (Dutch) and Robert; a sister, Betty J. Ardrey and two infant sisters. Friends may call 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Ave., Zanesville. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at the funeral home with the Rev.James Sands officiating. Burial will follow at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of ones choice.