Kenneth (Boots) Shirley, age 53 of Clinton, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at his home. Cremation rites will be accorded. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-6 PM on Tuesday, July 11th at the Pape Funeral Home. Following the gathering, a Celebration of Life will take place at Stacey Shirley’s house, where all are invited and welcome to bring their favorite dish. Inurnment will take place 3:30 PM on Wednesday, July 12th at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Kenneth Scott David Shirley was born in Clinton on December 16, 1969, the son of Francis and Dianna (Wilhelm) Shirley. He never married, but he loved animals and had a dedicated fur family, including his first dog Huckleberry who was by his side for 16 years. Then came Pepper and then Katie, all of which preceded him in death. Kenny had them cremated and kept their ashes with him. They will be inurned with him. He just recently lost his feline fur friend, Meowser.
Kenneth was preceded in death by three uncles, Dennis and Durwin Wilhelm, and William “Pete” Shirley; and two aunts, Janice Wilhelm Schneir and Myrna Shirley Romer. He will be dearly missed by his parents; his siblings Scott (Diane) Shirley, Frank, and Stacey Shirley, all of Clinton; aunts and uncles, Dwain and Debbie (Wilhelm) Johnson of Clinton, David and Theresa (Stuart) Wilhelm; nephews Anthony (AJ) Holstad of Clinton, Derick (Debbie) Shirley of Clinton, and Austin (Sinead) Shirley of Texas, niece Becky (Brian) Shirley Hull of Clinton; and grandnieces, cousins, close friends, and their children; and of course his two dedicated sidekicks always by his side, Lilly and Daisy.
Kenny was a true friend and a loving person who loved kids and they loved him back. He loved helping out his friends and family and loved all things John Wayne. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Ken Shirley A.K.A Boots
He was a man of many words and a lot of heart. He was like a brother to me and was one of the few people in my life who wasn’t afraid to keep it real, to tell me when i was making poor decisions or that he was disappointed in the choices I’ve made. But his heart was so big, never once did he turn his back on me, never once telling me no whenever I needed anything. He was always there for me when the times got tough and was quick to crack a joke just to make me smile. Everyone who got to know him loved him. His willingness to help others went above and beyond. He enjoyed all aspects of life and had various hobbies. He wasn’t someone who sat around much, he always had projects going on for himself and for others. He was am incredibly great friend and an even better uncle to my kids, always wantingto see the “kiddos”. I’m glad they got to know him as Uncle Boots. Even though he was a Ford lover at heart he drove his Chevy hard. He was passionate about life and was always telling me to “embrace life, because you never know what tomorrow may bring.” He is going to be dearly missed and he will never be forgotten. His girls were his life. I don’t know what else to say about him other than he has been a major person in my life and my family’s life and there is forever going to be a spot in my heart that won’t be able to be filled. I’ll miss you brother and I regret not being there. You were a great man. You we’re respected, trusted, dependable, honest, generous and a very caring man. My life will forever be changed without you. With love, J.R.
Ronald W. Downs II
Here I am staring at a blank spot to type …my brother Boots “Kenny” Would Have No problem filling it so “Fuck Joe Biden!!”And The sheepeople who are afraid and give up their rights as Americans to speak their minds without fear of being shunned for not moving with the flow of continuous bullshit! and do one of the many good Sheepeople responses like wearing a mask in your car by yourself not because you forgot to take it off but to show everybody how you are a good “following the science” person. Then you have people like the one that owns the building next to Kenny’s house who also owns a Roofing and Gutter Business has thousands of square feet of steel roofing with NO GUTTERS draining into my nephews house but because Kenny is a “Have Not” that’s OK he can let his shit run downhill and flood my nephews house WTF
Love your boots that post was for you see you on the other side
My whole heart is with your entire family at this difficult time. Kenny was one of a kind and loved by all who met him. He will forever be my fellow Patriot who was always right about everything long before most.
Rest in Peace, Ken.
God bless you, your family and your beautiful fur babies.