This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Shirey, Montgomery, Hull Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/hkB.2ACE/8646 Message Board Post: Houston Chronicle, Sun., 18 Apr 2004, Sec. A SHIREY BENJAMIN ROYCE SHIREY died on 12 April 2004 at Houston's Plaza Specialty Hospital, his family at his side, after an extraordinary year fighting to recover from cancer and multiple medical complications. Ben was born on 21 September 1924 in Blackwell, TX to Abram and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Shirey, and had six siblings. His family farmed in East Texas, struggling through the untimely deaths of his parents during the Great Depression. Upon graduating from Milano High School in 1943, Ben served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He fought on Omaha Beach during the D-Day Invasion at Normandy, France; and in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. He completed his military service as a chaplain's assistant. Ben was married to Naomi Hull on 27 April 1957 in Fort Worth, TX by his brother, William. The couple lived in Houston for 45 years, and then relocated to Tucson, AZ. Their son, Cleve Royce Shirey, was born in Houston in 1962. Ben worked as an accountant, retiring in 1987 after 20 years as the inventory control accountant for the Houston I.S.D. Ben was a deep and quietly spiritual man. His role as an active founding member of The Foundry UMC (Houston), where he served extensively, was one of his proudest experiences. Most recently, he was a member of Christ Church UMC in Tucson, AZ. A tall man with a dry wit, ready smile, and gracious manner, he was known for his honesty, integrity, and compassion. Ben took pride in his appearance and conducted himself as an unpretentious gentleman throughout his life. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife Naomi, and encouraged her to pursue her own career as an educator. He was a loving and compassionate father to his son Cleve, providing him lifelong support and guidance. Ben is survived by his wife, Naomi Hull Shirey; and his son, Cleve Royce Shirey, MD of Anchorage, AK. Also surviving him are his sister, Lottie (Shirey) Moseley of San Marcos, TX; brother, the Rev. William "Bill" Shirey of Fort Worth, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and -nephews. Naomi and Cleve thank the healthcare professionals and the professional and lay clergy of various faiths who provided care to Ben at both MD Anderson Cancer Center and Plaza Specialty Hospital. The Shirey family especially thanks their beloved friend, Doris Lantz, who has provided unbounded love and support to them in so many ways this past year. Visitation begins at 11:30 AM, with a memorial service at 1:00 PM on Monday 19 April 2004 at Forest Park-Westheimer in Houston; the Rev. Godfrey Hubert officiating. Memorial donations may be made to The Foundry UMC "Ministry Forever" Endowment Fund, 8035 Jones Rd., Houston, TX 77065 (www.foundrychurch.org); or your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.