Bobby Joe Shirrel was born on August 13, 1936 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Garland Joe and Enona Nadine (Witt) Shirrel. He grew up enjoying the countryside of life along with his five siblings, Jim, Danny, “Pete”, “Jane” and Mary. At just 17 years old, he was called to serve his Country in the United States Air Force. He proudly answered the call, completing his tour during the Korean War before his honorable discharge. After he returned, he met and married the love of his life, Ida Lee Medlin on January 31, 1963 in Stilwell, OK. Together they shared over 61 years of memories and were blessed with 10 children. Bobby spent a good portion of his career as a truck driver and working on the pipeline. He later joined his two sons, Robert and Danny doing construction work and even had his own Construction Company for some time. He was a man certainly not afraid of hard work. The first time he retired, he still kept busy by hauling barns. When the time came that he truly put his labors aside, he could be found taking in the joys of life with Ida closely by his side. Of course, his adored dachshunds weren’t too far behind. He was so proud of his family, never missing an opportunity to be around them. He’d often go fishing with his grandkids and would hold big fish fries out by the river. He continually talked of how proud he was to have his grandson follow in his footsteps by joining The United State Marines and is serving his 3rd term. Bobby wasn’t afraid to give it to you straight but was the biggest cut up anyone would meet. A bit on the ornery side, he was always teasing and joking around just to get a laugh out of you. He had a heart of gold. A Christian by faith, he was a member of the Family Worship Center and had services playing on TV all the time. His labors here on earth were finished and Bobby was called to his eternal rest on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in Tahlequah, OK. The love he showed towards others and his contagious smile will never be forgotten.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one son, Jimmy Shirrel, one daughter, Lafonda Dawson, two brothers, Jim Shirrel and Danny Shirrel, three sisters, Dorothy “Pete” Garner, Trucella “Jane” Marez and Mary Lou Plank and one grandson, Dusty Lee Shirrel.
His memory lives on through his four sons, Dwayne Shirrel and wife Peggy of Texas, Danny Dean Shirrel, Cody Shirrel and wife Stephanie and Marty Robert Shirrel, all of Tahlequah, OK and four daughters, Teresa Shirrel of Texas, Bobbi Jo Shirrel of Tahlequah, OK, Shari Medlin of Tahlequah, OK and Jody Johnson and husband Jeromy of Stilwell, OK. He also leaves 11 grandchildren, Marti Gail Baker, Chase Johnson, Tye Johnson, Rodney Shirrel, Cheyenne Shirrel, Cole Johnson, Abby Ellis, Morgan Shirrel, Wyaitt Shirrel, Kinley Johnson and Adrianna Ellis, along with five great-grandchildren, Dustin Lee Shirrel Jr., Nathan Shirrel, Colby Nottingham, Olivia Baker and Paisley Baker, many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends and loved ones.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Bobby at a later date.
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