Lilburn Shirley's Obituary
Lilburn Shirley, 76, of Boonville, MO, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at his home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM at H.T. May and Son Funeral Home in Boonville, MO, visitation will be from 1-2PM Saturday at the funeral home.
Lilburn was born on August 29, 1948 to the late Albert Shirley Sr and Cora(Ray) Shirley in New Franklin, Missouri. He was the youngest of three siblings, but due to the passing of his mother in 1966 during his teenage years, he was adopted by Marvin and Elizabeth Hill.
He graduated from Laura Speed Elliott High School in Boonville, Missouri in 1968. He also received a Music Department certificate for 4 years of service.
He was employed at Windmill Restaurant for over 15 years and at the Hotel Frederick, where he was known for his culinary talents. While employed at the Cooper County’s Sheriff Department, he was nicknamed "Hotrod". He supervised the kitchen for over 14 years until his retirement in 2014.
He was an avid Elvis Presley fan with his large record collection, hanging pictures, post cards, and mugs.
Lilburn will be remembered as never meeting a stranger and always making you feel like family.
He is remembered by his brother, Albert Shirley Jr of Los Angeles, California, niece, Vida(Gerod)Crum, and two nephews, Ricky Jackman and Reno Jackman all of Columbia, Missouri, two great-nieces and one great-nephew, several cousins, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Thomas Shirley, maternal grandparents, Thomas Ray and Sally(Hawkins)Ray, and paternal grandparents, Hal Shirley and Emma(Campbell) Shirley.
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