Obituaries

Shirrell Kenneth Halbrook

Photo of Shirrell Kenneth Halbrook
Shirrell Kenneth Halbrook, age 90, of Paragould, formerly of Star City died on October 22, 2013 at his home. He was born on February 5, 1923 to Anna Myrtle and Orlando Bolton Halbrook in Cleveland, Arkansas, the third of six children. After his service in the Navy during World War II, Shirrell attended Arkansas Teacher's College (now University of Central Arkansas) where he met his wife and played basketball for the bears. He was inducted into the UCA Hall of Fame in 2002 and was an avid basketball fan. He went on to complete his graduate studies at the University of Arkansas and spent 38 years in the educational system in Arkansas. He held several roles over the years, including teacher, coach, counselor and superintendent. He retired as the Director of Pines Vocational Technical School in 1986. He was also a lifelong cattleman and member of the Arkansas Cattleman's Association. Shirrell was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Star City before moving to northeast Arkansas. He was known for the love he had for his family, basketball and his wife's cooking. Shirrell is predeceased by his parents, a brother, Waymon, and a sister, Orleen McKuin. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Halbrook of Paragould, whom he married May 22, 1949; two sons, James (Nancy) Halbrook of Jonesboro and Erwin (Dianne) Halbrook of Star City; two daughters, Shirley (Bob) Wolfe of Puyallup, Washington, and Mary Ann (Tim) Rand of Paragould; brother Udell (Lela) Halbrook of Fairfield, California; sisters Winona Cannon of Morgantown, West Virginia and Mimiva (Monte) Tredway of Pensacola, Florida; six grandsons, Derek (Molly) Wolfe of Coupeville, Washington, Deren (Christine) Wolfe of Marysville, California, Derel (Christine) Wolfe of Montclair, California, Dale (Kelli) Wolfe of Graham, Washington, Max Rand of Little Rock and Heath Halbrook of Little Rock; two granddaughters, April (Doug) Wood of Novi, Michigan and Heather (Bradley) Wright of Dedham, Massachusetts; 13 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Star City on Monday, October 28th at 1pm with Rev. Bryan Diffee officiating. The family will receive visitors after the service. Special thank you from the family to Chateau on the Ridge in Paragould and St. Bernard's Hospice. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Star City or Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Jonesboro. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

Published October 25, 2013

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