John Allen Shire

John Allen Shire ended his season in our path on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at his home in Ashland, Ohio. Born on January 13, 1942 to Lewis Leroy and Delia Edith {Harvey} Shire. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Caroline Denslow Shire and his baby son, Leroy Allen Shire, a brother Ike Shire and a step-brother Bob Bennett. Surviving are his daughter, Barbara Park Williams (Eddie) of Shallotte, NC, his son, Johnny Creighton Shire (Cary) of Uhrichsville, Ohio, a sister, Karen Kirkpatrick of Ashland, Ohio, step-sister, Joyce Wells of Ashland, Ohio, and a bevy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, along with a multitude of family, friends, and loved ones. Also mourning John's passing is his precious 14-year-old Dachshund and constant companion, "Baby Girl."

John was a decorated veteran of the United States Army, 1st Air Cavalry Division, Company C, 229th Aviation Battalion in the Republic of Vietnam from December 1967 to December 1968. During such time he was awarded a Medal of Commendation from the Department of the Army for Meritorious Service.

As a lifelong resident of Ashland, Ohio, John retired after a career of 44 years with the A.L. Garber Company of Ashland, Ohio. He was proudly a long-time member of Amvets Post 96, the Ohio State Moose Association Lodge #1383, American Legion Post 88 Harry Higgins, VFW Post 1067, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, all of Ashland, Ohio.

John and Caroline lived a joyful, peaceful life, filled with love and surrounded by people they loved and cared for. He was a fisherman, a hunter, and an outdoorsman, with an old-school blue-collar work ethic, the likes of which are seldom encountered in this present time. His home and property were maintained and cared for, not only from necessity but because he valued his domain and derived a tremendous amount of happiness in caring for it. He will remain loved, respected, and remembered by a host of those who knew him. This good man and his honorable life will never be forgotten.

Roberts Funeral Home, Ashland is assisting the family. Private family services will be held at a later date.