Doug Shirley, age 69, our colorful and caring friend, son, father, brother, and cousin, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada.  Burial with military honors will be in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa, at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 6, 2018.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Doug's name may be directed to any veterans organization.  Sharing on Facebook is welcomed.

Born May 29, 1949, in Ferguson, Missouri, Paul Douglas Shirley was the son of Robert Paul and Dorothy (Smith) Shirley.  He grew up in the Atlantic, Iowa, area where he graduated from high school in 1967.  This was just in time to serve in Vietnam with the HHC 2^nd Battalion, 61^st Infantry of the United States Army.  Doug was very proud of being a Purple Heart veteran and appreciated the military honors he received, including a memorable honor flight to Washington, D.C.

Doug was a friend of Bill W. for many years.  He enjoyed being part of Aim for Ames for the last 31 years.  Doug also loved sharing time and trips with his Army buddies and their families, as well as the company of friends and family who listened to his bits of wisdom and many stories.

Doug was married to Heidi Lytle and was a proud parent to his son, John. 

Survivors include his son, John (Stephanie) Espinosa of Colorado Springs, CO; three granddaughters, Katelynn, Abigail, and Allison; his mother, Dorothy Shirley Soucek of Washington, IA; a sister, Suzanne (Richard) Riley of Provo, UT; two step-sisters, Karen McGuire of Gahanna, OH, and Jean (Jon) Gloyer of Washington, IA; and the remaining “Dozen Cousins.”

He was preceded in death by his father; his step-father, Henry Soucek; and two step-brothers, Steve Soucek and Stanley Soucek.

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Doug and his family.