Shirley died April 28, 2012 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. He was born in Des Moines, IA on July 23, 1929 to George and Lela Mead. He is survived by his wife, of nearly 62 years, Marlys; children, Michele Mead (Cindy Williams), Sherri Hunt (David) and Tim Mead; grandchildren, Jason and Abbie; sisters, Pat Mead, Grace Mead-Rickman and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Bernice and brothers, George and Edward.

Shirley was a lifelong resident of Des Moines and in his early years owned a Phillips 66 station downtown and later worked for Iowa Fire Equipment. Shirley traveled the state for his work and also as a member of the Good Sam's camping club. Shirley and Marlys made many wonderful friends through their camping adventures. Shirley was a builder and a fixer; he enjoyed building bird houses and bird feeders and helping us all with projects. He enjoyed nothing more than putzing in his yard, tending to the fish in his Koi pond and feeding the birds and squirrels. Shirley loved animals of all kinds, but especially dogs. He will be remembered by his family as a kind, gentle man who had a twinkle in his eye, a wonderful spirit with a gift for storytelling.

The family would like his love of animals to inspire memorials to be given in his name to the Animal Lifeline of Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, of which he was a member. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. His family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m., Monday at Iles Funeral Homes – Westover Chapel with a Rosary following the visitation. A special thank you to the Mercy Hospice staff for their exceptional care.

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ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES FUNERAL HOMES ~ WESTOVER CHAPEL.
Read Shirley Mead's Obituary and Guestbook on ilesfuneralhomes.com.