David Charles Shirk, age 69, of Johnson, Kansas, died Tuesday, February
21, 2023, at The Ranch House in Garden City, Kansas. He was born on
February 8, 1954, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the son of Clement Miles and
Leona Margaret (Wilkerson) Shirk.
David grew up in Friend, Kansas, and graduated with the class of 1972 in
Scott City. He then attended Garden City Community College for two
years and then served in the ROTC. He continued his education at
Panhandle State University and received a bachelor’s degree in Ag
Business with a minor in History.
Following graduation, David worked at
Goertzen Seed Research (a wheat research facility) as a foreman in
Scott City; where he met his future bride. He married Elizabeth K.
Stiles on November 29, 1980, in Friend. David and Elizabeth moved their
family to Johnson in 1986. Through many mergers and acquisitions, he
was the District Sales Manager for Triumph Seed Co., Northup King,
Novartis, Garst, Syngenta Seeds, GoldenHarvest and Golden Acre seed
brands. During this time he was inducted into the Honorary Sales
Council. He retired at the age of 62. David and Elizabeth had the
opportunity to take an Alaskan Cruise in August 2018, which he
thoroughly enjoyed. He also loved nature, being outdoors, camping,
hunting, star gazing, and spending time in the mountains.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth of their home; children, Mandy
Adams and husband Tyson of Johnson, Nicholas C. Shirk of Garden City,
and Myles C. Shirk of Liberal; brother, Layne C. Shirk and wife Barbara
of Great Bend; sister, Karen A. Shirk of Garden City; and four
grandchildren, Colton Adams, Addison Shirk, Kennedy Shirk and Harper
Shirk.
David is preceded in death by his father, Clement Shirk; mother and
step-father, Leona and Glenn Cleveland; and brother, Robert Shirk.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 10:00 AM at First
United Methodist Church in Johnson with Pastor Mary Courtney
officiating. Interment will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, February 27, 2023, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM
at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson.
Memorial contributions may be given to the David Shirk Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.