DR. THOMAS WILLIAM SHIRLEY

Dr. Thomas William Shirley of Prospect Heights for 52 years Dr. Thomas William Shirley was born on May 7, 1930, in Milford, Mass., to Ralph B. and Florence Ellen (nee Morris ) Shirley. He went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. Thomas was a retired Naval Reserves captain having served his country for 43 years, two of which were active duty during the Korean War as an officer on the destroyer U.S.S. Renshaw DDE499. He received his doctorate degree from Northwestern University in Evanston. He was an educator in School District 214 for 34 years, serving as Principal at Wheeling High School for 25 years. During his tenure in District 214, he began the ROTC Program, the TORCH Program (OMNI), and contributed to the continuing education night school program. He was a member at Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, where he served in various ministries. Tom was actively involved with the Rotary Club of Wheeling, Salvation Army, and the Dollars For Scholars Program. He loved to spend time with his family, and his greatest pride his grandchildren and was loved by all. Thomas is survived by his spouse, Linda of 56 years, whom he married on Aug. 11, 1956; his children, Scott (Kristine) Shirley, Stephen Shirley, David Shirley and Philip (Andra) Shirley; his grandchildren, Thomas, Samantha, Sierra, Luke, Michael and Logan; and his half-brothers and sisters, Mary Jane, Rita, David and Giles. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Alice Manny; his half-sister, Cindy McLean; and his brother, Ralph Bramlet Shirley. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road (four blocks south of Palatine Road), Arlington Heights. He will lie in state from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Orchard Evangelical Free Church, 1330 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will be in Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Orchard Evangelical Free Church, 1330 Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004, or the Salvation Army, salvationarmyusa.org. Funeral information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or call 847-253-0168.