William Arthur “Bill” Shirley, a longtime educator, military veteran and community leader in Iola, died August 23, 2026, at Allen County Regional Hospital. He was 88.
Shirley was born January 5, 1938, in Carrollton, Missouri, to Hugh K. and Thelma M. (Schall) Shirley. He proudly served 22 years in the U.S. Army before retiring in January 1975.
Following his military career, Shirley earned a teaching degree from Pittsburg State University and began a more than 22-year career with the Iola school district. He started as an eighth-grade American history teacher at Iola Junior High School before moving into administration and serving as a principal. He later taught college courses at Allen Community College.
Shirley also dedicated 12 years to public service with the City of Iola, serving as both a city commissioner and mayor. He was an active supporter of the Iola Food Pantry and Bowlus Fine Arts Center and remained involved in local cultural and community activities.
He and Roberta (Morgan) Shirley were married November 22, 1958, in Fort Benning, Georgia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 26, at St. John Catholic Church in Iola. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Highland Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Iola Food Pantry or Bowlus Fine Arts Center and left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola.
